How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

The nurse is assisting with the care of a client.

Exhibits

For each finding, click to specify if the finding is consistent with small bowel obstruction or acute pancreatitis. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

A.

Pain level

B.

Social history

C.

Skin findings

D.

Lipase level

E.

WBC count

F.

Abdominal findings

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Pain level:

  • Small bowel obstruction: The client reports mid-abdominal pain, which is characteristic of small bowel obstruction as the pain is often crampy and located around the abdomen.
  • Acute pancreatitis: Abdominal pain is also a common symptom of acute pancreatitis, typically described as severe and persistent.

Social history:

  • Small bowel obstruction: Alcohol consumption is not a typical cause of obstruction.
  • Acute pancreatitis: Chronic alcohol use is a major risk factor for acute pancreatitis.

Skin findings:

  • Small bowel obstruction: Skin findings are usually unaffected.
  • Acute pancreatitis: In severe cases, pancreatic enzymes can leak into the skin, leading to ecchymosis (e.g., Grey Turner's or Cullen's sign). While jaundice can occur in acute pancreatitis due to bile duct obstruction, its absence does not rule out the condition.

Lipase level:

  • Small bowel obstruction: Lipase is generally normal.
  • Acute pancreatitis: Elevated lipase levels are highly indicative of acute pancreatitis.

WBC count:

  • Small bowel obstruction: A mild increase in WBC may occur due to bowel distension. The client’s WBC count is 9,000/mm³, which is within the normal range.
  • Acute pancreatitis: WBC levels are often elevated due to inflammation.

Abdominal findings:

  • Small bowel obstruction: Tenderness and high-pitched bowel sounds are typical signs.
  • Acute pancreatitis: Abdominal tenderness can also be present in acute pancreatitis, but high-pitched bowel sounds are more specific to small bowel obstruction.


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]

Explanation

These findings indicate improvements in overall status:

  • Alert and oriented: No neurological impairment.
  • Clear breath sounds: No signs of respiratory compromise.
  • Pedal pulses and warm feet: Circulation is restored.
  • Reduced pain: Indicates effective pain management.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "Unable to repeat the names of three common objects the nurse names.": This indicates possible short-term memory issues but is less critical than a reduced level of consciousness.
B. "Unable to answer a judgment question correctly.": Poor judgment is less immediately concerning compared to reduced consciousness.
C. "Unable to remember their adult children's names.": Long-term memory loss is not as urgent as changes in consciousness or neurological status.
D. "Unable to remain fully awake while answering questions.": This finding suggests a potential decline in neurological status, such as increased intracranial pressure or a brain injury, and is the priority.

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

Register