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 B

Explanation

Otosclerosis is a condition characterized by abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, specifically involving the stapes bone. This abnormal bone growth interferes with the transmission of sound vibrations from the middle ear to the inner ear, resulting in conductive hearing loss. Here's a breakdown of each option:

A) Presbycusis:

Presbycusis refers to age-related hearing loss, typically involving sensorineural components such as the degeneration of hair cells in the inner ear or changes in the auditory nerve. While presbycusis is a common cause of hearing loss in older adults, it is not directly related to otosclerosis or previous ear surgeries.

B) Conductive:

Correct. Otosclerosis primarily affects the middle ear by causing abnormal bone growth around the stapes bone, which can immobilize it and interfere with sound transmission to the inner ear. As a result, individuals with otosclerosis often experience conductive hearing loss, where sound is not effectively conducted from the outer or middle ear to the inner ear.

C) Endolymphatic:

Endolymphatic hydrops, also known as Ménière's disease, involves abnormal fluid accumulation in the inner ear, leading to symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating sensorineural hearing loss. While inner ear disorders like endolymphatic hydrops can cause sensorineural hearing loss, otosclerosis primarily affects the conductive components of hearing.

D) Sensorineural:

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to dysfunction or damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or auditory nerve pathways leading to the brain. This type of hearing loss is typically permanent and can result from various factors, including age-related changes, noise exposure, and certain medical conditions. While sensorineural hearing loss can coexist with conductive hearing loss in some cases, otosclerosis primarily causes conductive hearing loss rather than sensorineural hearing loss.

A. Intravascular fluid deficit. B. Renin angiotensin mechanism. C. Inflammatory process of bladder mucosa. D. Mineral precipitation in urine.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the formation of multiple fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. One of the complications associated with PKD is hypertension, which often occurs due to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Here's how the pathophysiological process of the RAAS contributes to the client's elevated blood pressure:

A) Intravascular fluid deficit:

In polycystic kidney disease, the development of multiple cysts in the kidneys can impair renal function and lead to decreased filtration and reabsorption capacity. However, this impairment typically leads to fluid retention rather than intravascular fluid deficit, contributing to hypertension rather than hypotension.

B) Renin angiotensin mechanism:

Correct. In PKD, the cysts disrupt normal kidney architecture and function, leading to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). Reduced renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) stimulate the release of renin from the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidneys. Renin acts on angiotensinogen to convert it into angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor that increases peripheral vascular resistance, leading to elevated blood pressure. Additionally, angiotensin II stimulates the secretion of aldosterone, which promotes sodium and water retention, further contributing to hypertension.

C) Inflammatory process of bladder mucosa:

This option is not directly related to the pathophysiological process of hypertension in polycystic kidney disease. Flank pain and hematuria in PKD are often associated with cyst rupture or hemorrhage within the cysts rather than an inflammatory process of the bladder mucosa.

D) Mineral precipitation in urine:

Mineral precipitation in urine, such as the formation of kidney stones, can occur in polycystic kidney disease but is not directly associated with hypertension. Kidney stones may contribute to flank pain and hematuria but do not typically cause systemic hypertension.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is providing care for a client with a diagnosis of otosclerosis due to previous ear surgeries. Which type of pathological hearing loss supports the client's clinical history?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), flank pain, and hematuria. The client's blood pressure is 180/100 mm Hg. Which pathophysiological process supports the client's blood pressure finding?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for an older client who is on complete bed rest. The nurse notes hematuria when the client suddenly reports excruciating pain that radiates from the back to the groin. Which pathological process has contributed to the client's clinical presentation of a possible renal calculi?

A client with diabetes mellitus develops an ulcer on the bottom of the foot. Which pathology is the primary contributing factor to the ability of the ulcer to heal?

A client with end stage emphysema is experiencing poor gas exchange. Which respiratory structure is associated with the pathophysiological processes in emphysema?

A client who has asthma (a reactive airway disease) asks the nurse about the role of leukotrienes in this process. Leukotrienes have which immune response?

The nurse is explaining the underlying cause of bruising with a client who is recently diagnosed with acute leukemia. Which pathophysiology is a result of the myeloblastic dysfunction of leukemia?

During an interview with a male client who has Parkinson's disease (PD), the nurse notices that he is drooling and mumbling. Which pathophysiological factor contributes to the client's inability to express himself?