A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for pancrelipase to aid in digestion. The nurse should inform the client to expect which of the following gastrointestinal changes?
Decreased fat in stools
Decreased watery stools
Decreased mucus in stools
Decreased black tarry stools
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A: Decreased fat in stools
Pancrelipase is a combination of digestive enzymes, including lipase, protease, and amylase, which help break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. One of the primary benefits of pancrelipase is its ability to improve fat digestion and absorption. Clients with pancreatic insufficiency often experience steatorrhea, which is the presence of excess fat in stools, making them bulky, greasy, and foul-smelling. By aiding in the digestion of fats, pancrelipase reduces the fat content in stools, leading to more normal bowel movements.
Choice B: Decreased watery stools
While pancrelipase can improve overall digestion, it is not specifically known for decreasing watery stools. Watery stools can result from various conditions, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders. Pancrelipase primarily targets the digestion of macronutrients and may not directly affect the consistency of stools unless the watery stools are due to malabsorption of fats.
Choice C: Decreased mucus in stools
Mucus in stools can be a sign of inflammation or irritation in the gastrointestinal tract, often associated with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or infections. Pancrelipase does not specifically target mucus production in the intestines. Its primary function is to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, rather than addressing mucus-related issues.
Choice D: Decreased black tarry stools
Black tarry stools, also known as melena, are typically a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, particularly from the upper GI tract. This condition requires immediate medical attention and is not related to the use of pancrelipase. Pancrelipase is not indicated for treating or preventing gastrointestinal bleeding and would not affect the presence of black tarry stools.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: You Can Expect Swelling of the Ankles While Taking This Medication
Swelling of the ankles, or peripheral edema, is a known side effect of verapamil. This calcium channel blocker can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling in the lower extremities. While this is a common side effect, it is not an instruction that the nurse should include in discharge teaching. Instead, the nurse should inform the client to report any significant swelling to their healthcare provider.
Choice B: Do Not Take This Medication on an Empty Stomach
Verapamil can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset. Therefore, the instruction to avoid taking it on an empty stomach is not strictly necessary. The nurse should advise the client to follow their healthcare provider’s specific instructions regarding medication administration.
Choice C: Limit Your Fluid Intake to Meal Times
Limiting fluid intake to meal times is not a standard recommendation for clients taking verapamil. Adequate hydration is important for overall health, and there is no specific reason to restrict fluid intake while on this medication. The nurse should encourage the client to maintain a balanced fluid intake throughout the day.
Choice D: Increase Your Daily Intake of Dietary Fiber
Increasing daily intake of dietary fiber is a beneficial instruction for clients taking verapamil. Verapamil can cause constipation as a side effect, and a high-fiber diet can help mitigate this issue. Foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can promote regular bowel movements and improve digestive health.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
A sudden decrease in abdominal pain can indicate that the appendix has perforated. When the appendix bursts, the pressure is relieved, leading to a temporary reduction in pain. However, this is quickly followed by severe pain and signs of peritonitis, such as a rigid abdomen and high fever.
Choice B reason:
The absence of Rovsing’s sign is not a specific indicator of a perforated appendix. Rovsing’s sign is a clinical test used to diagnose appendicitis, where pain is elicited in the right lower quadrant when the left lower quadrant is palpated. Its absence does not necessarily indicate perforation.
Choice C reason:
A low-grade fever is a common symptom of appendicitis but does not specifically indicate perforation. A perforated appendix typically leads to a high fever due to the spread of infection within the abdomen.
Choice D reason:
A rigid abdomen is a sign of peritonitis, which can occur after the appendix has perforated. While this is an important symptom, the sudden decrease in pain followed by severe symptoms is more indicative of perforation.