Sherpath: Pancreatitis Exam Questions and Answers

Sherpath: Pancreatitis Exam Questions and Answers The caregiver of a patient with suspected pancreatitis asks the nurse why both serum amylase and serum lipase tests are being done if they are both enzymes related to the pancreas. Which explanation by the nurse accurately explains why both are being done? "The serum amylase can be high due to other causes, so we also run the serum lipase." Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis? Inflammation activates enzymes, resulting in autodigestion within the pancreas. The nurse is evaluating a patient in the emergency department for suspected pancreatitis. Which factors, if present in the patient history or current assessment, would increase the risk for pancreatitis? History of gallstones Presence of biliary sludge African American ethnicity 30 pack year history of smoking Following teaching, the nurse is evaluating the patient's understanding of the need for both an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), plus endoscopic sphincterotomy, and a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further teaching? "A laparoscopic cholecystectomy visualizes the colon, and the ERCP removes the gallstones." The nurse is reviewing the current prescriptions for a patient with pancreatitis. Following a recent assessment, the patient was found to have decreased bowel sounds and abdominal distention. Which current medication order would the nurse question for this patient? Dicyclomine The nurse is awaiting orders for a patient being admitted from the emergency room for conservative therapy for pancreatitis. The nurse would include which goals in the plan of care for the newly admitted patient? Patient will remain free of infection. Patient will verbalize understanding of NPO status. Fluid and electrolyte levels are within normal limits. Patient will rate pain at less than 2 in a 24-hour period. Which assessment finding would demonstrate the efficacy of pancreatic enzyme replacement? No evidence of steatorrhea A patient presents to the primary care provider one week after hospital discharge for an episode of acute pancreatitis. The patient reports a fever that has lasted for the last few days and stools have had a "really foul smell" and "appear greasy." A finger stick for blood glucose indicates a glucose level of 220 mg/dL. Which does the nurse suspect may be occurring? Further pancreatic destruction The nurse is caring for a patient with diagnosed acute pancreatitis and notes a recent elevation in temperature, a respiratory rate of 28 breaths/minute, and a few crackles in the bases of the lungs. Which actions by the nurse would best address the patient's current situation? Obtain O2 saturation level