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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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Intense pruritus: While itching (pruritus) can be a symptom of skin conditions, it is not a definitive sign of malignancy in nevi. Pruritus can be associated with benign conditions such as eczema or allergic reactions. However, if a mole starts to itch, it should be monitored closely, but it is not as strong an indicator of malignancy as irregular borders.
Choice B reason:
Irregular borders: This is a significant sign of potential malignancy in nevi. Melanomas often have uneven, notched, or scalloped borders, unlike benign moles, which typically have smooth, even borders. The irregularity in the border is due to the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, which can spread unevenly.
Choice C reason:
Uniform pigmentation: Uniform pigmentation is generally a sign of a benign mole. Malignant moles often have multiple colors or an uneven distribution of color, which can include shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue. A mole with uniform color is less likely to be malignant.
Choice D reason:
Purulent drainage: While purulent drainage (pus) indicates an infection, it is not a typical sign of malignancy in nevi. Infections can occur in any skin lesion, but they do not specifically indicate cancer. Malignant moles are more likely to change in size, shape, or color rather than produce pus.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Inserting a nasogastric tube is not the first-line intervention for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). This invasive procedure is typically reserved for severe cases where other interventions have failed.
Choice B reason:
Administering an antiemetic is the appropriate action. Antiemetics help control nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of opioids like morphine. This intervention can provide immediate relief and improve the client’s comfort.
Choice C reason:
Auscultating bowel sounds is important for assessing gastrointestinal function, but it does not directly address the immediate symptom of nausea and vomiting. This assessment can be part of the overall evaluation but is not the primary intervention.
Choice D reason:
Encouraging the client to ambulate is beneficial for overall recovery and can help reduce the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis. However, it does not directly address the immediate issue of nausea and vomiting.