The nurse identifies the collaborative problem of potential electrolyte imbalance in a client with acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding should the nurse associate with an electrolyte imbalance related to acute pancreatitis?
Hyperglycemia.
Hypotension.
Paralytic ileus and abdominal distention.
Muscle twitching and digit numbness.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Hyperglycemia. While elevated blood glucose can occur in acute pancreatitis due to pancreatic inflammation impairing insulin secretion, it is not an electrolyte imbalance. The question specifically asks about electrolyte-related manifestations.
B. Hypotension. Hypotension in acute pancreatitis is often due to fluid shifts (third-spacing) and systemic inflammation, rather than a direct electrolyte imbalance. Though dehydration and electrolyte losses can contribute to hypotension, this is not the most specific sign of an electrolyte disturbance.
C. Paralytic ileus and abdominal distention. Hypokalemia can lead to paralytic ileus, but ileus and distention are also caused by peritoneal irritation, inflammation, and impaired motility due to pancreatitis itself. While potassium imbalance could contribute, this is not the most direct electrolyte-related symptom.
D. Muscle twitching and digit numbness. Hypocalcemia is a common electrolyte imbalance in acute pancreatitis, caused by fatty acid breakdown binding calcium, leading to saponification. This results in neuromuscular excitability, causing muscle twitching, paresthesia (numbness/tingling), and positive Chvostek’s or Trousseau’s signs. These symptoms are clear indicators of an electrolyte disturbance related to pancreatitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Expel the excess air and heparin from the syringe. While removing excess air prevents gas exchange alterations, this is not the priority when obtaining an SVO₂ sample. Excess heparin could dilute the sample, but proper blood volume collection is the first concern.
B. Place sample in arterial blood gas syringe. SVO₂ measures venous oxygen saturation, which is different from arterial blood gases (ABGs). Using an ABG syringe is incorrect because it is heparinized for arterial sampling, and arterial blood does not reflect mixed venous oxygenation.
C. Obtain a minimum of 1 mL of blood. SVO₂ is measured from the distal lumen of a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter to assess oxygen delivery and consumption. At least 1 mL of blood is required for an accurate reading, ensuring sufficient sample volume for laboratory analysis.
D. Aspirate the blood sample slowly. While slow aspiration can help prevent hemolysis, it is not the primary concern when collecting an SVO₂ sample. The priority is obtaining a sufficient volume (≥1 mL) for an accurate measurement.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Prepare to give phenytoin IV as prescribed. Phenytoin is used for seizure prophylaxis in clients with moderate to severe head injuries (GCS ≤ 8–10). A GCS score of 14 indicates mild head injury, and prophylactic anticonvulsants may not be necessary unless ordered for specific risk factors.
B. Perform a substernal rub to evoke a response to pain. A substernal rub (painful stimulus) is used to assess response in unconscious or unresponsive clients (GCS ≤ 8). With a GCS of 14, the client is alert or nearly fully conscious, making a painful stimulus unnecessary and inappropriate.
C. Promptly notify the healthcare provider (HCP) of the GCS score. A GCS of 14 is not a critical or emergency finding, as it indicates mild neurological impairment. While the HCP should be updated on significant changes, routine monitoring is sufficient unless deterioration occurs.
D. Continue monitoring the client's GCS score every 2 hours. Frequent neurological assessments are crucial in head injury management to detect worsening conditions like increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) or cerebral edema. Monitoring the GCS every 2 hours ensures timely intervention if the client’s condition changes.
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