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. A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from the operating room following the creation of a colostomy. The nurse is assessing the drainage in the pouch attached to the site where the colostomy was formed and notes serosanguineous drainage. Which nursing action is most appropriate based on this assessment?

• A. Notify the physician
• B. Document the amount and characteristics of the drainage
• C. Apply ice to the stoma site
• D. Apply pressure to the site

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the first 24 to 72 hours following surgery, mucus and serosanguineous drainage are expected from the stoma. Documenting the amount and characteristics of the drainage is appropriate. The nurse does not need to notify the physician because this is an expected finding. Applying ice or pressure to the site is not necessary.

3. Which stoma would you expect a malodorous, enzyme-rich, caustic liquid output that is yellow, green, or brown?

• A. Ileostomy.
• B. Ascending colostomy.
• C. Transverse colostomy.
• D. Descending colostomy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An ileostomy would have a malodorous, enzyme-rich, caustic liquid output that is yellow, green, or brown.

4. The nurse provides medication instructions to a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates the best understanding of the medication therapy?

• A. The cimetidine (Tagamet) will cause me to produce less stomach acid.
• B. Sucralfate (Carafate) will change the fluid in my stomach.
• C. Antacids will coat my stomach.
• D. Omeprazole (Prilosec) will coat the ulcer and help it heal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cimetidine (Tagamet) works by reducing stomach acid production, which helps to manage peptic ulcer disease.

5. Develop a teaching care plan for Angie who is about to undergo a liver biopsy. Which of the following points do you include?

• A. You’ll need to lie on your stomach during the test.
• B. You’ll need to lie on your right side after the test.
• C. During the biopsy you’ll be asked to exhale deeply and hold it.
• D. The biopsy is performed under general anesthesia.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Instruct the patient to lie on their right side after the biopsy to apply pressure and prevent bleeding.

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