Nursing Elites

1. The client has been admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse would assess this client for pain that is:

• A. Severe and unrelenting, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the back.
• B. Severe and unrelenting, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin.
• C. Burning and aching, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the umbilicus.
• D. Burning and aching, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the hip.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe, unrelenting pain in the epigastric area that radiates to the back. This pain is due to inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas.

2. 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.

3. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?

• A. Bloody diarrhea
• B. Hypotension
• C. A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL
• D. Rebound tenderness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication that needs to be reported to the physician immediately.

4. The nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient with hepatitis B. Which of the following statements, if made by the patient, would indicate the need for further instruction?

• A. I can never donate blood.
• B. I can never have unprotected sex.
• C. I cannot share needles.
• D. I should avoid drugs and alcohol.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. This patient statement indicates a need for further teaching. The patient should be instructed that, in order to avoid complications, alcohol should be avoided for six months to one year. Illicit drugs and toxic chemicals should also be avoided. Acetaminophen may be taken only when necessary and not beyond the recommended dosage. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements regarding precautions to prevent the spread of hepatitis B and do not indicate a need for further instruction.

5. The nurse is reviewing the medication record of a client with acute gastritis. Which medication, if noted on the client’s record, would the nurse question?

• A. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• B. Indomethacin (Indocin)
• C. Furosemide (Lasix)
• D. Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Indomethacin (Indocin) is an NSAID that can aggravate acute gastritis and should be questioned.

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