Patients with acute pancreatitis are generally made NPO (nothing by mouth) and may require gastric suctioning via NG tube, in order to:
Prevent abdominal distention.
Prevent mechanical obstruction of the intestine.
Limit pancreatic secretion.
Prevent hyperglycemia associated with loss of insulin secretion.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C reason: Limiting pancreatic secretion is the primary reason for making patients with acute pancreatitis NPO and using gastric suctioning. By reducing the stimulation of the pancreas, the inflammation and autodigestion of pancreatic tissue can be minimized, aiding in the healing process.
Choice A reason: Preventing abdominal distention is a secondary benefit of making patients NPO, but it is not the primary reason for this intervention in acute pancreatitis.
Choice B reason: Preventing mechanical obstruction of the intestine is not the main goal of making patients NPO in acute pancreatitis. This condition primarily affects the pancreas, not the intestines.
Choice D reason: Preventing hyperglycemia associated with loss of insulin secretion is not the primary reason for making patients NPO in acute pancreatitis. While hyperglycemia can occur in severe cases, the main focus is on reducing pancreatic stimulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D reason: The backup of pancreatic enzymes is the initial trigger for tissue damage in pancreatitis. When these enzymes become activated within the pancreas, they begin to digest pancreatic tissue, leading to inflammation and damage.
Choice A reason: Insulin toxicity is not a cause of tissue damage in pancreatitis. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and does not play a role in the initial damage seen in pancreatitis.
Choice B reason: Autoimmune destruction of the pancreas is associated with conditions like type 1 diabetes, not pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is primarily caused by the premature activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas.
Choice C reason: Hydrochloric acid reflux into the pancreatic duct is not a known cause of pancreatitis. The condition is related to the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas itself, not stomach acid.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The option that the patient "cannot be treated" is incorrect because Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-positive patients can be treated with medications such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). There are also preventive measures and treatments available for individuals with HIV/AIDS to manage PCP and improve their health outcomes. Thus, this option is not accurate for the scenario described.
Choice B reason: The diagnosis of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) in an HIV-positive patient strongly indicates that the patient has progressed to AIDS. AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is diagnosed when an individual with HIV develops certain opportunistic infections or their CD4 cell count drops below a critical level. PCP is one of the most common opportunistic infections seen in AIDS patients, signifying severe immune system compromise due to the advanced stage of HIV infection. This makes option B the correct answer.
Choice C reason: The option stating that the patient "has less than 2 years to live" is incorrect because it is not a definitive prognosis for patients with PCP or AIDS. With appropriate medical treatment and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-positive individuals, even those diagnosed with AIDS, can live longer and healthier lives. Advances in medical care have significantly improved the life expectancy and quality of life for people living with HIV/AIDS. Therefore, this option is not accurate for this scenario.
Choice D reason: The option that the patient "was an intravenous drug user" is incorrect because PCP can affect any HIV-positive individual, regardless of their drug use history. While intravenous drug use is a known risk factor for HIV transmission, it is not directly related to the development of PCP. PCP is caused by a weakened immune system due to HIV progression, not the method of HIV transmission. Thus, this option does not appropriately address the diagnosis of PCP.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.