What is the most common cause of acute pancreatitis?

A. Gallstones

B. Alcohol abuse

C. Hypertriglyceridemia

D. Infection

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gallstones. Gallstones are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis as they obstruct the pancreatic duct, leading to inflammation. While alcohol abuse (Choice B) can also cause pancreatitis, gallstones are more prevalent. Hypertriglyceridemia (Choice C) is a less common cause of acute pancreatitis compared to gallstones. Infection (Choice D) is not a primary cause of acute pancreatitis; gallstones are the leading etiology.

A client is recovering from abdominal surgery and has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place. The nurse notes that the client is experiencing nausea despite the NG tube being patent. What is the nurse's best action?

• A. Increase the suction on the NG tube.
• B. Administer an antiemetic as prescribed.
• C. Irrigate the NG tube with saline.
• D. Reposition the client to the left side.

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering an antiemetic as prescribed is the best action for the nurse to take when a client with a patent NG tube is experiencing nausea. This intervention can help relieve nausea effectively. Increasing suction on the NG tube (Choice A) may not address the underlying cause of the nausea and could potentially lead to complications. Irrigating the NG tube with saline (Choice C) is not indicated for addressing nausea in this scenario. Repositioning the client to the left side (Choice D) is not the priority intervention for nausea in a client with a patent NG tube.

Which task could the PN safely delegate to the UAP?

• A. Oral feeding of a two-year-old child after application of a hip spica cast
• B. Assessment of the placement and patency of a NG tube
• C. Participation in staff rounds to record notes regarding client goals
• D. Evaluation of a client's incisional pain following narcotic administration

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because oral feeding of a child is a task that can be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). This task involves providing basic care and does not require specialized nursing skills. Choices B, C, and D involve assessments, recording client goals, and evaluating pain, respectively, which all require specialized nursing knowledge, judgment, and skills. These tasks are not within the scope of practice for a UAP.

Based on the computer documentation in the EMR, which action should the PN implement?

• A. Give the rubella vaccine subcutaneously
• B. Observe the mother breastfeeding her infant
• C. Call the nursery for the infant's blood type results
• D. Administer hydrocodone/acetaminophen one tablet for pain

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The rubella vaccine is crucial for preventing rubella infection, which can cause severe congenital disabilities if contracted during pregnancy. Administering the vaccine subcutaneously is the correct action based on EMR documentation. Observing breastfeeding, calling the nursery for blood type results, and administering pain medication are not indicated by the EMR documentation and are not relevant to the situation described in the question.

An adult client is undergoing weekly external radiation treatments for breast cancer. Upon arrival at the outpatient clinic for a scheduled treatment, the client reports increasing fatigue to the PN who is taking the client's vital signs. What action should the PN implement?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider or charge nurse immediately
• B. Offer to reschedule the treatment for the following week
• C. Plan to monitor the client's vital signs every 30 minutes
• D. Reinforce the need for extra rest periods and plenty of sleep

Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When a client undergoing radiation therapy reports increasing fatigue, it is essential to address this common side effect. Educating the client on the importance of rest and sleep can help manage fatigue and promote recovery. Contacting the healthcare provider or charge nurse immediately may not be necessary unless fatigue is severe and other symptoms are present. Rescheduling the treatment or monitoring vital signs more frequently is not the priority in this situation.