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

Choice A reason: Decreasing blood glucose levels are not an indicator of effective therapy in patients with acute adrenal insufficiency. In fact, hypoglycemia is a common symptom of Addison's Disease due to insufficient cortisol production, and effective therapy would aim to normalize blood glucose levels, not decrease them further.
Choice B reason: Increasing serum potassium levels would indicate worsening of the condition rather than improvement. Hyperkalemia is a hallmark of Addison's Disease due to aldosterone deficiency, and effective therapy should decrease serum potassium levels, not increase them.
Choice C reason: Increasing serum sodium levels would indicate that the therapy is effective for acute adrenal insufficiency. Addison's Disease is characterized by hyponatremia due to aldosterone deficiency, and effective treatment aims to normalize sodium levels in the blood. An increase in serum sodium levels indicates that the treatment is correcting the underlying electrolyte imbalance.
Choice D reason: Decreasing serum chloride levels are not a specific indicator of effective therapy for Addison's Disease. Chloride levels are generally less affected and not a primary marker for assessing treatment efficacy. The main focus should be on correcting sodium and potassium imbalances.

Choice A reason: Insert indwelling urinary catheter. This task requires clinical judgment, sterile technique, and expertise. It is an invasive procedure that should be performed by a registered nurse or a physician.
Choice B reason: Monitor IV D5 1/2 NS with 20 mEq KCl at 75 m/hr. Monitoring IV fluids and medications involves assessing the patient’s response to treatment, recognizing potential complications, and making clinical decisions. This task requires the expertise of a registered nurse.
Choice C reason: Empty urinary catheter and measure the output. This task can be delegated to a nursing aide as it involves routine measurement and documentation, which does not require clinical judgment. It is a simple procedure that can be safely performed by a trained aide.
Choice D reason: Collect a stool sample for occult blood testing. This is a straightforward task that can be delegated to a nursing aide. It involves collecting and labeling the sample correctly, which does not require advanced clinical skills or judgment.
Choice E reason: Daily weights. This task can be safely delegated to a nursing aide. It involves measuring and recording the patient’s weight, which is a routine procedure and does not require clinical judgment.
Choice F reason: Notify the MD of any signs of bleeding. This task involves assessing the patient for signs of bleeding, which requires clinical judgment and should be performed by a registered nurse. The nurse must determine the significance of the findings and communicate them appropriately to the physician.
Choice G reason: Vital signs every 4 hours. Monitoring vital signs is a routine task that can be delegated to a nursing aide. It involves measuring and recording the patient’s blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, which does not require advanced clinical skills.