Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who has acute pancreatitis. The nurse should expect to find an elevation of which of the following values?
A. Calcium
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because calcium is not elevated in acute pancreatitis. In fact, calcium can be low due to fat necrosis and hypoparathyroidism that can occur in severe cases of pancreatitis.
B. Magnesium
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because magnesium is not elevated in acute pancreatitis. Magnesium can be low due to malabsorption, vomiting, or diuretic use that can occur in pancreatitis.
C. Amylase
Choice C reason: This is correct because amylase is elevated in acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates in the small intestine. When the pancreas is inflamed, amylase can leak into the bloodstream and cause high levels.
D. RBC count
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because RBC count is not elevated in acute pancreatitis. RBC count can be low due to bleeding, hemolysis, or fluid overload that can occur in pancreatitis.
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Similar Questions
A nurse is completing discharge teaching with a client following arthroscopic knee surgery. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Begin active range of motion.
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because beginning active range of motion is not an instruction that the nurse should include in the teaching. Active range of motion can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding in the knee after arthroscopic surgery. The client should follow the provider's orders for when and how to start exercising the knee.
B. Keep the leg in a dependent position.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because keeping the leg in a dependent position is not an instruction that the nurse should include in the teaching. A dependent position is when the leg is lower than the heart, which can increase blood flow and pressure in the knee. This can cause pain, swelling, and bleeding in the knee after arthroscopic surgery. The client should elevate the leg above the heart level as much as possible.
C. Apply ice to the affected area.
Choice C reason: This is correct because applying ice to the affected area is an instruction that the nurse should include in the teaching. Ice can help reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in the knee after arthroscopic surgery. The client should apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every two to four hours for the first two days.
D. Remain on bedrest for the first 24 hr.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because remaining on bedrest for the first 24 hr is not an instruction that the nurse should include in the teaching. Bedrest can increase the risk of complications such as blood clots, infection, or stiffness in the knee after arthroscopic surgery. The client should ambulate as soon as possible, with or without assistive devices, as prescribed by the provider.
A nurse is teaching a client at high risk for osteoporosis about dietary measures she can take to increase her calcium level. Which of the following foods should the nurse advise the client to increase in her diet?
A. Potatoes
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because potatoes are not a good source of calcium. Potatoes contain about 10 mg of calcium per 100 g, which is very low compared to the recommended daily intake of 1000 to 1200 mg for adults.
B. Broccoli
Choice B reason: This is correct because broccoli is a good source of calcium. Broccoli contains about 47 mg of calcium per 100 g, which is higher than most other vegetables. Broccoli also contains other nutrients that can benefit bone health, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
C. Cabbage
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because cabbage is not a good source of calcium. Cabbage contains about 40 mg of calcium per 100 g, which is lower than broccoli and still not enough to meet the daily requirement.
D. Carrots
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because carrots are not a good source of calcium. Carrots contain about 33 mg of calcium per 100 g, which is lower than cabbage and broccoli and far from the recommended amount.
A nurse is assessing a client who has an obstruction of the common bile duct resulting from chronic cholecystitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Straw-colored urine
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because straw-colored urine is not a finding that the nurse should expect. Straw- colored urine is normal and indicates adequate hydration and kidney function. An obstruction of the common bile duct can cause dark or brown urine, due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood and urine.
B. Tenderness in the left upper abdomen
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because tenderness in the left upper abdomen is not a finding that the nurse should expect. Tenderness in the left upper abdomen can indicate problems with the spleen, stomach, or pancreas, but not with the common bile duct. An obstruction of the common bile duct can cause tenderness in the right upper abdomen, due to inflammation of the gallbladder or liver.
C. Faty stools
Choice C reason: This is correct because faty stools are a finding that the nurse should expect. Faty stools are also called steatorrhea, and they occur when there is a lack of bile in the intestines. Bile helps digest and absorb fats, so when it is blocked by an obstruction of the common bile duct, fats pass through undigested and cause greasy, foul- smelling stools.
D. Ecchymosis of the extremities
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because ecchymosis of the extremities is not a finding that the nurse should expect. Ecchymosis is a bruise caused by bleeding under the skin, and it can occur due to trauma, injury, or bleeding disorders. An obstruction of the common bile duct can cause jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes, due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood and tissues.