After reviewing the laboratory reports of a patient who was admitted with sudden severe abdominal pain, the nurse identifies that which condition is consistent with the test results?

Liver cirrhosis

Acute hepatitis

Cholecystitis

Acute pancreatitis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Liver cirrhosis is characterized by chronic liver damage leading to scarring and liver failure. The typical lab findings for liver cirrhosis would include elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin, and low albumin levels, which are not mentioned in the given test results.

Choice B reason: Acute hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viral infections or toxins. Lab results consistent with acute hepatitis would show elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST) significantly higher than normal, which are not provided in the text.

Choice C reason: Cholecystitis is the inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to gallstones. Lab findings for cholecystitis may include elevated white blood cell count and sometimes mild elevation of liver enzymes, but not the specific elevated levels of serum amylase and lipase.

Choice D reason: Acute pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, and the hallmark lab findings include significantly elevated serum amylase and lipase levels. The test results show serum amylase of 920 units/L (reference: 30-220 units/L) and serum lipase of 704 units/L (reference: 0-160 units/L), which are highly indicative of acute pancreatitis. Elevated serum glucose and low serum calcium levels are also consistent with this diagnosis.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Asking the patient about loose stools is important as it can help identify possible causes of fluid and electrolyte imbalances. However, this question alone would not be the immediate or primary action to take in response to generalized weakness.

Choice B reason: Suggesting that the healthcare provider order a basic metabolic panel is the most appropriate action. Potassium-wasting diuretics can lead to hypokalemia, which can cause symptoms like generalized weakness. A basic metabolic panel will provide information on the patient's electrolyte levels, including potassium, and help determine if the weakness is due to an electrolyte imbalance. This allows for appropriate intervention to correct the imbalance and prevent further complications.

Choice C reason: Assessing for facial muscle spasms is relevant because hypokalemia can cause muscle cramps and spasms. However, it does not address the root cause of the weakness and does not lead to immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: Calling for a rapid response team is generally reserved for situations where the patient is experiencing acute, life-threatening symptoms requiring immediate intervention. Generalized weakness in the context of a patient on a potassium-wasting diuretic does not usually necessitate such an urgent response unless it progresses to more severe symptoms.

A. Poor nutrition related to alcoholism results in abdominal obesity. B. Portal hypertension pushes proteins from the blood vessels, causing leakage into the peritoneal cavity. C. Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus stimulate thirst, which causes the patient to take in excessive fluids orally. D. There is decreased colloid oncotic pressure from the liver's inability to synthesize albumin.

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Poor nutrition related to alcoholism can lead to abdominal obesity, but it is not a direct cause of ascites in liver cirrhosis. Ascites is primarily due to factors like portal hypertension and decreased colloid oncotic pressure.

Choice B reason: Portal hypertension is a significant cause of ascites in liver cirrhosis. The increased pressure in the portal vein causes proteins to leak from the blood vessels into the peritoneal cavity, leading to fluid accumulation.

Choice C reason: Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus stimulating thirst can lead to excessive fluid intake, but this is not a direct cause of ascites related to liver cirrhosis. Ascites is more directly linked to portal hypertension and decreased colloid oncotic pressure.

Choice D reason: Decreased colloid oncotic pressure due to the liver's inability to synthesize albumin is a key factor in the development of ascites. Albumin helps maintain fluid balance in the blood vessels, and its deficiency leads to fluid leakage into the peritoneal cavity.

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After reviewing the laboratory reports of a patient who was admitted with sudden severe abdominal pain, the nurse identifies that which condition is consistent with the test results?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient who is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for the treatment of hypertension reports generalized weakness. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Identify two causes of ascites related to liver cirrhosis:

Correct Answer is ["B","D"]

Explanation

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A patient is being admitted with a diagnosis of Cushing syndrome. Which three findings will the nurse expect during the assessment?

Your spinal cord injury (SCI) patient complains of a throbbing headache and nausea. You observe the patient has marked diaphoresis, and you think the patient may have autonomic dysreflexia. Place the following interventions in the order you would complete them.

Indicate which two tests might be prescribed for patients admitted with symptoms of cholecystitis? Select all that apply.

A necessary intervention for patients with pancreatitis is blood sugar monitoring.

Which problem should the nurse anticipate for a patient admitted to the hospital with diabetes insipidus?

The nurse provides postoperative care to a patient who underwent peripheral artery bypass surgery. Thirty minutes after the initial assessment, the nurse reassesses the patient and detects a change in the Doppler sound over a pulse. Which action should the nurse take?