Three days after a cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, a female client reports having persistent upper abdominal pain that radiates to her back. She 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.
Biliary duct obstruction.
Surgical site infection.
Hepatorenal failure.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain radiating to the back, elevated serum amylase and lipase levels, vomiting, and fever suggest acute pancreatitis, which can occur after cholecystectomy due to potential injury to the pancreas or bile duct obstruction.
B. While biliary duct obstruction can occur postoperatively, the significantly elevated amylase and lipase levels, along with the described symptoms, more strongly indicate pancreatitis.
C. Surgical site infection typically presents with localized symptoms rather than systemic symptoms like elevated amylase and lipase.
D. Hepatorenal failure is unlikely to present with these specific gastrointestinal symptoms and enzyme elevations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A hemoccult test on sputum is used to detect blood and is not specific to TB.
B. A positive PPD skin test indicates exposure to TB but does not confirm active disease; further testing is required.
C. A sputum culture positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the definitive test for confirming active tuberculosis, as it isolates the organism.
D. A chest x-ray or CT can suggest the presence of TB but does not provide a definitive diagnosis; culture is necessary for confirmation.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Performing hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of infection before any patient interaction or procedure.
B. Brushing the client’s teeth is not necessary before applying an oxygen mask and does not pertain to immediate care.
C. Checking the skin around the face is important to ensure there are no irritations or breakdowns that could affect the mask's fit and the patient's comfort.
D. Identifying the client using 2 identifiers is a critical safety step to ensure the correct patient receives the intended care.
E. Assessing respiratory function is important to determine the severity of the client’s condition and the appropriate oxygen delivery method.
F. Donning gloves is not required for applying a simple face mask unless there is potential for contact with blood or bodily fluids.
G. Determining if the client needs to go to the bathroom is not directly related to applying the face mask and should be assessed but is not critical before mask application.
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