Three days after a cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, a client reports persistent upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back. The client has vomited three times in the last 12 hours and has a temperature of 101.8° F (38.7° C). Serum amylase and lipase are twice the normal value. Based on these findings, the nurse should observe the client for which pathophysiological condition?

Acute pancreatitis.

Surgical site infection.

Hepatorenal failure.

Biliary duct obstruction.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The client's symptoms, along with the elevated serum amylase and lipase levels, suggest the development of acute pancreatitis as a postoperative complication. Here's a detailed explanation for why option A is the correct choice:

A) Acute pancreatitis:

Correct. Acute pancreatitis is characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, which can be triggered by various factors, including gallstones, alcohol consumption, and certain medications. In this case, the client's recent cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis (gallstones) may have led to the development of acute pancreatitis. The persistent upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, along with vomiting and fever, are classic symptoms of acute pancreatitis. Elevated serum amylase and lipase levels are common laboratory findings in acute pancreatitis due to pancreatic cell injury and leakage of these enzymes into the bloodstream.

B) Surgical site infection:

While surgical site infections are potential complications of cholecystectomy, the client's symptoms, including upper abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever, are more indicative of a systemic inflammatory process rather than localized infection at the surgical site.

C) Hepatorenal failure:

Hepatorenal failure, also known as hepatorenal syndrome, refers to kidney dysfunction that occurs as a complication of advanced liver disease. The client's symptoms and laboratory findings are not consistent with hepatorenal failure, as there are no signs of significant liver dysfunction or advanced liver disease.

D) Biliary duct obstruction:

While biliary duct obstruction can lead to symptoms similar to those of acute pancreatitis, such as upper abdominal pain and vomiting, the presence of elevated serum amylase and lipase levels strongly suggests pancreatic involvement rather than isolated biliary duct obstruction.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Hemodialysis is a renal replacement therapy used to remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function adequately. The physiological processes involved in hemodialysis include:

A) Solute movement toward a solution with a higher concentration:

While solute movement occurs during hemodialysis, it is typically from a solution with a higher concentration to one with a lower concentration, rather than the opposite. This movement facilitates the removal of waste products and excess solutes from the bloodstream.

B) Water movement toward a solution with a lower solute concentration:

Correct. Osmosis is the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. In hemodialysis, water moves out of the bloodstream, across the semipermeable membrane of the dialyzer, and into the dialysate solution, which has a lower solute concentration. This process helps remove excess fluid from the body.

C) Blood cells and protein movement through the semipermeable membrane:

Blood cells and proteins are too large to pass through the pores of the semipermeable membrane in the dialyzer during hemodialysis. Therefore, the primary exchange occurs between smaller molecules such as urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and water.

D) Osmosis of water movement and diffusion of solute movement:

Correct. Hemodialysis involves both osmosis and diffusion. Osmosis refers to the movement of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. Diffusion is the movement of solutes from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. Together, these processes facilitate the removal of waste products and excess fluid from the bloodstream during hemodialysis.

A. Nerve degeneration due to chronic gastric reflux. B. Volvulus that occurred during an appendectomy. C. Esophagitis due to reflux of gastric contents. D. A history of having Helicobacter pylori infection.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Nerve degeneration due to chronic gastric reflux:

Nerve degeneration due to chronic gastric reflux may lead to conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophagitis, but it is not directly related to the clinical presentation of intestinal obstruction. Symptoms of GERD or esophagitis typically include heartburn, regurgitation, and dysphagia rather than severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention.

B) Volvulus that occurred during an appendectomy:

Correct. Volvulus refers to the twisting of a segment of the intestine around its mesentery, leading to obstruction of the bowel lumen and compromising blood flow to the affected area. In this scenario, the client's clinical presentation of severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention is consistent with symptoms of intestinal obstruction, which can occur secondary to volvulus. Volvulus may result from various factors, including prior abdominal surgeries, such as an appendectomy, leading to abnormal positioning or adhesions within the abdomen.

C) Esophagitis due to reflux of gastric contents:

Esophagitis due to reflux of gastric contents can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing, but it is not typically associated with severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention characteristic of intestinal obstruction.

D) A history of having Helicobacter pylori infection:

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with conditions such as peptic ulcer disease and gastritis, but it is not directly related to the clinical presentation of intestinal obstruction. Symptoms of H. pylori infection may include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, but they are not typically colicky and severe as those seen in intestinal obstruction.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which physiological process supports the exchange of blood concentrations across a semipermeable membrane in the hemodialysis?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client with intestinal obstruction who presents with severe, colicky abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. Which pathophysiologic mechanism supports the client's clinical presentation?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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