A nurse admits a client to the emergency department who reports nausea and vomiting that worsens when he lies down. Antacids do not help. The provider suspects acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?

Increased serum amylase

Increased serum calcium

Decreased WBC

Decreased serum lipase

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:

Increased serum amylase is a key indicator of acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas to help digest carbohydrates. In cases of acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to the release of amylase into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of serum amylase, typically more than three times the upper limit of normal, are a strong indication of acute pancreatitis. This enzyme level usually rises within a few hours of the onset of pancreatitis and can remain elevated for several days.

Choice B Reason:

Increased serum calcium is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. In fact, acute pancreatitis can often lead to hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) due to fat saponification in the pancreas, where calcium binds with fatty acids. Therefore, an increase in serum calcium would not be expected in a patient with acute pancreatitis. Monitoring calcium levels is important, but an increase is not a diagnostic marker for this condition.

Choice C Reason:

Decreased WBC (white blood cell count) is not a characteristic finding in acute pancreatitis. On the contrary, acute pancreatitis often leads to an elevated WBC count due to the inflammatory response in the body. Leukocytosis (increased WBC) is a common finding in many inflammatory and infectious conditions, including acute pancreatitis. Therefore, a decreased WBC count would not be expected and does not support the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

Choice D Reason:

Decreased serum lipase is incorrect. Similar to amylase, lipase is another enzyme produced by the pancreas, which helps in the digestion of fats. In acute pancreatitis, serum lipase levels also increase significantly, often more than three times the upper limit of normal. Lipase levels tend to rise slightly later than amylase but remain elevated for a longer period, making it a useful marker for diagnosing acute pancreatitis. Therefore, decreased serum lipase would not be expected in this condition.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

0.45% sodium chloride (half-normal saline) is an appropriate solution for treating hypernatremia, especially in a client who is NPO (nothing by mouth). This hypotonic solution helps to gradually reduce the serum sodium levels by providing free water to the extracellular space, which dilutes the high sodium concentration. It is essential to administer this solution slowly to avoid rapid shifts in fluid balance, which can lead to cerebral edema.

Choice B Reason:

Dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride (D5NS) is not the best choice for treating hypernatremia. While it provides some free water, the presence of 0.9% sodium chloride makes it an isotonic solution, which does not effectively lower serum sodium levels. This solution is more suitable for maintaining fluid balance rather than correcting hypernatremia.

Choice C Reason:

Lactated Ringer’s is also not appropriate for treating hypernatremia. This isotonic solution contains electrolytes, including sodium, which can exacerbate hypernatremia rather than correct it. Lactated Ringer’s is typically used for fluid resuscitation and electrolyte replacement in other clinical scenarios.

Choice D Reason:

Dextrose 10% in water (D10W) is a hypertonic solution and is not suitable for treating hypernatremia. While it provides free water, the high concentration of dextrose can lead to rapid shifts in fluid balance and potential complications such as hyperglycemia. This solution is generally used for providing calories and preventing hypoglycemia in specific clinical situations.

A. You’ll need to let your doctor know if you have seafood allergies. B. Do not take your scheduled dose of Metformin 500 mg PO. C. The procedure will be done at the bedside. D. Take your Metformin as usual before the test.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Title: Choice A Reason:

Patients with seafood allergies may have a higher risk of allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media used in CT scans. However, this is not a definitive contraindication. The nurse should inform the patient to notify their healthcare provider about any known allergies, including seafood, as a precautionary measure. This allows the healthcare team to take necessary steps to prevent any adverse reactions, such as premedication with antihistamines or corticosteroids.

Title: Choice B Reason:

Metformin is a common medication used to manage type II diabetes. When a patient is scheduled for a CT scan with IV contrast, it is crucial to withhold Metformin before the procedure. This is because the combination of Metformin and iodinated contrast can increase the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition. The general recommendation is to stop Metformin at the time of or prior to the procedure and withhold it for 48 hours after the procedure, resuming only after renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be normal.

Title: Choice C Reason:

CT scans, especially those requiring IV contrast, are typically performed in a radiology suite equipped with the necessary technology and medical personnel. Performing such a procedure at the bedside is uncommon and not standard practice due to the need for specialized equipment and immediate access to emergency care in case of adverse reactions. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

Title: Choice D Reason:

Taking Metformin as usual before the test is not recommended due to the risk of lactic acidosis when combined with iodinated contrast. As previously mentioned, Metformin should be withheld before and after the procedure until renal function is confirmed to be normal. This precaution helps to prevent any potential complications associated with the interaction between Metformin and the contrast agent.

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A nurse admits a client to the emergency department who reports nausea and vomiting that worsens when he lies down. Antacids do not help. The provider suspects acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has hypernatremia and requires IV fluid therapy due to his NPO status. Which of the following solutions should the nurse prepare to infuse for this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with type II diabetes is scheduled to have a computed tomography (CT) scan with IV contrast of the brain to rule out a brain tumor. What health teaching would the nurse include?Your provider will obtain a signed consent from you prior to the completion of the CT scan.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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