The emergency department nurse can expect to see which assessment cues in the patient with acute pancreatitis? Select all that apply.
Fever.
Gray-blue discoloration of the flank or umbilical area.
Hypertension.
Decreased amylase level.
Nausea and vomiting.
Severe abdominal pain.
Correct Answer : A,B,E,F
Choice A reason: Fever is a common sign of acute pancreatitis and indicates an inflammatory response. Inflammation of the pancreas can trigger the release of cytokines and other inflammatory mediators, leading to an elevated body temperature. This is a common symptom observed in many cases of acute pancreatitis and suggests an ongoing inflammatory process.
Choice B reason: Gray-blue discoloration of the flank or umbilical area, also known as Grey Turner's sign and Cullen's sign respectively, indicates bleeding and severe inflammation within the pancreas. These signs are indicative of retroperitoneal hemorrhage or pancreatic necrosis, which are severe complications of acute pancreatitis. The presence of such discoloration is a significant finding that suggests a more serious form of the condition.
Choice C reason: Hypertension is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. In fact, patients with acute pancreatitis are more likely to experience hypotension due to fluid shifts, inflammatory responses, and potential hemorrhage. Monitoring blood pressure is important in these patients to manage any potential complications.
Choice D reason: Decreased amylase level is not an expected finding in acute pancreatitis. Typically, acute pancreatitis is associated with elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes such as amylase and lipase due to inflammation and damage to the pancreatic cells, which release these enzymes into the bloodstream.
Choice E reason: Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in acute pancreatitis. The inflammation of the pancreas and the associated pain can stimulate the vomiting center in the brain and lead to nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are often severe and can significantly affect the patient's comfort and hydration status.
Choice F reason: Severe abdominal pain is one of the hallmark signs of acute pancreatitis. The pain is typically located in the upper abdomen and may radiate to the back. It is often described as constant and severe, and can be exacerbated by eating or lying flat. Effective pain management is a critical aspect of caring for patients with acute pancreatitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client with mitral valve stenosis experiencing heart palpitations is at risk of complications such as atrial fibrillation, which can lead to embolic events. While this is a serious condition that needs attention, it is not as immediately life-threatening as the presence of pink frothy sputum in a heart failure patient.
Choice B reason: The client with arterial occlusive disease and intermittent claudication is experiencing pain due to reduced blood flow to the extremities during activity. Although this condition requires management to prevent worsening ischemia, it is not as critical as the presentation of pink frothy sputum in a heart failure patient.
Choice C reason: The client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and an edematous right calf is at risk of developing a pulmonary embolism, which is a serious condition. However, the immediate symptoms do not suggest a current life-threatening emergency compared to the client with heart failure and pink frothy sputum.
Choice D reason: The client with heart failure who has pink frothy sputum must be assessed first. Pink frothy sputum is a sign of pulmonary edema, indicating severe left-sided heart failure. This condition is a medical emergency as it impairs gas exchange and can lead to respiratory failure if not promptly treated. Immediate intervention is necessary to stabilize the client's respiratory and cardiac status.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Suctioning the patient immediately is not the appropriate intervention in this context. Suctioning can be necessary if the patient has secretions obstructing the airway, but it does not address the issues of bradycardia (low heart rate) and hypotension (low blood pressure) which are critical in a spinal cord injury.
Choice B reason: Administering normal saline (NS) at 25 cc/hr is not sufficient to address the patient's hypotension. In a patient with a spinal cord injury at the T5 level, hypotension is likely due to neurogenic shock, and more aggressive fluid resuscitation or pharmacological support is needed.
Choice C reason: Raising the head of the bed is not appropriate for managing the patient's condition. In fact, keeping the head elevated can worsen hypotension by reducing venous return to the heart. The focus should be on stabilizing blood pressure and heart rate.
Choice D reason: The correct intervention is starting a dopamine IV drip. Dopamine is a vasopressor that helps increase blood pressure and heart rate, which is crucial in managing neurogenic shock. By administering dopamine, the nurse can help stabilize the patient's cardiovascular status and improve perfusion to vital organs.
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