Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assigned to a 40-year-old client who has a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The nurse reviews the laboratory result, anticipating a laboratory report that indicates a serum amylase level of

• A. 45 units/L
• B. 100 units/L
• C. 300 units/L
• D. 500 units/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The normal serum amylase level is 25 to 151 IU/L. With chronic cases of pancreatitis, the rise in serum amylase levels usually does not exceed three times the normal value. In acute pancreatitis, the value may exceed five times the normal value. Options 1 and 2 are within normal limits. Option 3 is an extremely elevated level seen in acute pancreatitis.

2. The nurse is assessing for stoma prolapse in a client with a colostomy. The nurse would observe which of the following if stoma prolapse occurred?

• A. Sunken and hidden stoma
• B. Dark- and bluish-colored stoma
• C. Narrowed and flattened stoma
• D. Protruding stoma

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A protruding stoma is indicative of stoma prolapse, which occurs when the bowel protrudes excessively through the stoma.

3. A client returns from surgery with a sigmoid colostomy. An ostomy appliance is attached. The priority nursing diagnosis for daily observation and care is:

• A. Diarrhea related to alteration in bowel elimination.
• B. Impaired skin integrity related to seepage.
• C. Impaired nutrition: More than body requirements related to high-fat diet.
• D. Impaired physical mobility related to surgical procedure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Impaired skin integrity would be the priority nursing diagnosis for daily care of the colostomy because the effluent from the colostomy can be irritating to the skin. Diarrhea isn't a concern at this point. The client will be allowed nothing by mouth until peristalsis returns. The client should get out of bed on the first postoperative day, so mobility shouldn't be a problem.

4. The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy. To manage dumping syndrome, the nurse should advise the client to:

• A. restrict fluid intake to 1 qt (1,000 ml)/day.
• B. drink liquids only with meals.
• C. don't drink liquids 2 hours before meals.
• D. drink liquids only between meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A client who experiences dumping syndrome after a subtotal gastrectomy should be advised to ingest liquids between meals rather than with meals. Taking fluids between meals allows for adequate hydration, reduces the amount of bulk ingested with meals, and aids in preventing rapid gastric emptying. There is no need to restrict the amount of fluids, just the time when the client drinks fluids. Drinking liquids with meals increases the risk of dumping syndrome by increasing the amount of bulk and stimulating rapid gastric emptying. Small amounts of water are allowable before meals.

5. A client with liver dysfunction is having difficulty with protein metabolism. The nurse anticipates that the results of which of the following serum laboratory studies will be elevated?

• A. Lactic acid
• B. Ammonia
• C. Albumin
• D. Lactase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During deamination of proteins, the liver splits the amino group from the carbon-containing compound, which results in the formation of ammonia and a carbon residue. The liver then converts the toxic ammonia substance into urea, which can be excreted by the kidneys. Clients with liver dysfunction may have high serum ammonia levels as a result.

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