Which laboratory test result will the nurse monitor to evaluate the effects of therapy for a patient who has acute pancreatitis?

Choice A reason: Bleeding is a high-risk complication for patients with pancytopenia because of the low platelet count. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting, and their deficiency leads to an increased risk of spontaneous bleeding and difficulty in stopping bleeding once it starts. This can result in significant blood loss and complications if not managed promptly.
Choice B reason: Infection is another high-risk complication for patients with pancytopenia due to the low white blood cell count. White blood cells are essential for fighting infections, and their deficiency makes patients more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. These infections can be severe and difficult to control, leading to further complications and increased morbidity.
Choice C reason: Seizures are not typically associated with pancytopenia. Seizures are more commonly linked to neurological conditions, electrolyte imbalances, or other underlying medical issues rather than low blood cell counts.
Choice D reason: Neurogenic shock is not a common complication of pancytopenia. Neurogenic shock occurs due to a disruption in the autonomic nervous system, often resulting from spinal cord injuries or severe central nervous system damage, rather than low blood cell counts.
Choice E reason: Pulmonary edema is not directly related to pancytopenia. Pulmonary edema involves fluid accumulation in the lungs, often due to heart failure, kidney disease, or other causes, rather than low blood cell counts.

Choice A reason:
Increasing serum potassium levels would not indicate effective therapy for a patient with Addison's disease. In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough aldosterone, which is responsible for regulating sodium and potassium balance. As a result, patients with Addison’s disease often experience hyperkalemia (high potassium levels). Effective therapy typically aims to normalize potassium levels, so an increase would suggest inadequate treatment or worsening of the condition.
Choice B reason:
Decreasing blood glucose levels would not typically be seen as a positive indicator in a patient with Addison's disease. The body’s ability to maintain normal blood glucose levels is compromised in Addison’s disease due to a deficiency in cortisol. Cortisol plays a key role in regulating glucose metabolism, and its deficiency can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood glucose levels). If blood glucose levels are decreasing, it may indicate inadequate glucocorticoid replacement therapy, suggesting the therapy is not fully effective.
Choice C reason:
Decreasing serum chloride levels would not be expected in a patient with Addison’s disease who is receiving proper treatment. Chloride is regulated alongside sodium and is influenced by aldosterone. In Addison's disease, aldosterone deficiency leads to a decreased ability to retain sodium, which in turn can affect chloride levels. However, a decrease in chloride levels alone is not a clear sign of effective therapy. Normalization of serum sodium levels is a better indicator of treatment success.
Choice D reason:
Increasing serum sodium levels is the correct finding that indicates effective therapy in a patient with Addison’s disease. In this condition, aldosterone deficiency results in sodium loss through the kidneys, leading to hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Effective therapy, which typically involves the administration of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids (such as fludrocortisone), helps to correct this imbalance by increasing sodium retention and normalizing serum sodium levels. This would demonstrate that the current therapies are working to restore the electrolyte balance.