Take full exam for free

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?

A.

Decreased fat in stools

B.

Decreased watery stools

C.

Decreased mucus in stools

D.

Decreased black tarry stools

Answer and Explanation

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.


View Related questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A: Airborne

Airborne precautions are used for diseases that are transmitted through tiny airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air and be inhaled by others. Examples of diseases requiring airborne precautions include tuberculosis, measles, and chickenpox. These diseases can spread over long distances and through ventilation systems. Pertussis, however, is not transmitted via airborne particles but rather through larger respiratory droplets.

Choice B: Contact

Contact precautions are used for infections that are spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or the patient’s environment. This includes infections like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). While contact precautions are important for preventing the spread of certain infections, pertussis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, making droplet precautions more appropriate.

Choice C: Protective

Protective precautions, also known as reverse isolation, are used to protect immunocompromised patients from potential infections. This type of precaution is not intended to prevent the spread of infections from the patient to others but rather to protect the patient from external sources of infection. Examples include patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with severe immunodeficiency. Pertussis does not require protective precautions as it is not about protecting the patient from others.

Choice D: Droplet

Droplet precautions are the appropriate transmission-based precautions for pertussis. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is spread through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can travel short distances and can infect others who are in close proximity. Droplet precautions include wearing a mask when within 3 feet of the patient, placing the patient in a private room if possible, and ensuring that the patient wears a mask if they need to be transported.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:

The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is the recommended first aid technique for a conscious person who is choking. This maneuver helps to expel the object blocking the airway by using the air remaining in the lungs to force it out. The nurse should stand behind the person, place their arms around the person’s waist, make a fist with one hand, and place it just above the navel. The other hand should grasp the fist, and quick, upward thrusts should be performed until the object is expelled.

Choice B reason:

Slapping the client on the back several times is not the recommended first action for a conscious adult who is choking. While back blows can be effective, they are typically used in combination with abdominal thrusts and are more commonly recommended for infants. For adults, the Heimlich maneuver is preferred as the initial response.

Choice C reason:

Assisting the client to the floor and beginning mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is not appropriate for a conscious person who is choking. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or rescue breathing, is used when a person is not breathing and is unresponsive. In this scenario, the client is conscious but unable to speak, indicating a blocked airway that requires the Heimlich maneuver.

Choice D reason:

Observing the client before taking further action is not advisable in a choking emergency. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent the situation from worsening. If the person is unable to speak, cough, or breathe, the Heimlich maneuver should be performed without delay.