The nurse receives report for a client with acute pancreatitis on hospital day 2: NPO with NGT to low intermittent suction, VS: 110/60, 99.2°F-97- 22, 0.9% NS infusing at 125 mL/hour, and IV antibiotics have been started. Chart review reveals the following current laboratory results. Which is a priority for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

WBC 10,000/mm3 (5,000-10,000 mm3)

Serum potassium 3.5 mEq/L (3.5-5.0 mEq/L)

Serum albumin 4.8 g/dL (3.5-5 g/dL)

Lipase 900 u/L (20-180 u/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) While an elevated WBC count may indicate infection, it is not unexpected in acute pancreatitis.
B) Serum potassium within normal range does not require immediate intervention.

C) Serum albumin within normal range does not require immediate intervention.

D) Lipase levels significantly elevated above the normal range indicate ongoing pancreatic inflammation and may require intervention or adjustment of treatment.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) These are dilated veins in the esophagus that can rupture and lead to life- threatening bleeding.
B) While concerning and indicative of hepatic encephalopathy, it is not immediately life-threatening like a variceal bleed.
C) Indicates poor nutritional status and liver function but is not as acutely dangerous as bleeding varices.
D) This is a concern but does not represent an immediate life-threatening condition like esophageal varices.

A. Prothrombin time (PT) B. Serum albumin C. Serum ammonia D. Troponin E. Serum lipase

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

Explanation

A) PT is prolonged in cirrhosis due to impaired synthesis of clotting factors by the liver, making it important to monitor for bleeding risk.
B) Serum albumin levels decrease in cirrhosis due to impaired liver function, reflecting the client's nutritional status and liver synthetic function.
C) Elevated serum ammonia levels can indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis characterized by altered mental status.
D) Troponin is not typically evaluated in cirrhosis assessment; it is a cardiac marker used to assess for myocardial infarction.
E) Serum lipase is not typically evaluated in cirrhosis assessment; it is a pancreatic enzyme used to diagnose pancreatitis.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The client with cirrhosis is at risk for developing complications. Which condition is the most serious and potentially life-threatening?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse should evaluate results of which laboratory tests while caring for a client who has cirrhosis of the liver? Select all that apply.

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

Explanation

While assessing the client with acute pancreatitis the nurse notes the following: skin warm and dry with inelastic turgor, hypoactive bowel sounds, nausea and vomiting for 24 hours, and amber-colored urine. Which action would the nurse take next?

Which question would the nurse ask to identify a risk factor for liver disease?

The nurse is preparing discharge teaching for a client who has had a paracentesis. What information should be included in the education session?

A client with cirrhosis is scheduled to receive a third dose of lactulose (Cephulac) at 1800. Which current finding would cause the nurse to question administering this medication?

A client with cirrhosis has the following current assessment data: jaundice, decreased appetite, hemoglobin 15 g/dL (14-18 g/dL) and PT of 20.6 seconds (11-12.5 sec). What does the nurse identify as the priority problem for this client?

The nurse is preparing a community presentation about hepatitis B virus (HBV). Which information should be included in the teaching session?

When reviewing a client's health history, which information does the nurse identify as a risk factor for development of chronic pancreatitis?