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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Administering 0.45% NS (normal saline) at 50 mL/hr is not appropriate for a client with SIADH. This hypotonic solution can exacerbate the condition by increasing the water retention and further diluting the serum sodium levels, worsening hyponatremia. Instead, fluid restriction and hypertonic saline (such as 3% saline) are typically used to manage SIADH.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining daily weight is crucial in managing SIADH. Daily weights help monitor fluid retention and detect any sudden changes in body weight, which can indicate worsening fluid overload or effective treatment. Accurate weight measurements are essential for assessing the client’s fluid balance and guiding treatment decisions.
Choice C Reason:
Maintaining seizure precautions is necessary for clients with SIADH because severe hyponatremia can lead to neurological symptoms, including seizures. Implementing seizure precautions helps ensure the client’s safety and allows for prompt intervention if a seizure occurs.
Choice D Reason:
Administering 3% saline as ordered is appropriate for treating severe hyponatremia in SIADH. Hypertonic saline helps increase serum sodium levels and reduce the risk of neurological complications. It must be administered carefully and under close monitoring to avoid rapid correction of sodium levels, which can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome.
Choice E Reason:
Encouraging fluid intake is not appropriate for clients with SIADH. Fluid restriction is a key component of managing SIADH to prevent further dilution of serum sodium levels. Encouraging fluid intake would counteract this goal and worsen the client’s condition.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Excessive salivation, also known as water brash, can occur in some cases of GERD, but it is not one of the most common symptoms. Water brash happens when the body produces extra saliva to neutralize the acid in the esophagus. While it can be associated with GERD, it is not as prevalent as other symptoms like heartburn or regurgitation.
Choice B Reason:
Dyspepsia, or indigestion, is a common symptom of GERD. It includes discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, bloating, and nausea. Dyspepsia occurs because the stomach acid irritates the lining of the esophagus and stomach, leading to these uncomfortable sensations. Therefore, dyspepsia is a typical finding in patients with GERD.
Choice C Reason:
Regurgitation is a hallmark symptom of GERD. It involves the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus and sometimes into the mouth, causing a sour or bitter taste. This symptom is due to the weakening or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows stomach acid to escape into the esophagus.
Choice D Reason:
Blood-tinged sputum is not a common symptom of GERD. While severe cases of GERD can lead to complications such as esophagitis or esophageal ulcers, which might cause bleeding, this is not typical in most GERD cases. Blood-tinged sputum would warrant further investigation to rule out other conditions such as infections or malignancies.
Choice E Reason:
Flatulence, or excessive gas, can be associated with GERD. The digestive process can be affected by the reflux of stomach acid, leading to increased gas production and bloating. While not as prominent as dyspepsia or regurgitation, flatulence can still be a symptom experienced by patients with GERD.
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