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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reduced chest width:
Aging does not typically result in a reduced chest width. Instead, changes in posture and the curvature of the spine can make the chest appear less prominent. The primary musculoskeletal changes with aging involve bone density, muscle mass, and joint flexibility.
Choice B reason: Increased force of isometric contraction:
This is incorrect. Aging is associated with a decrease in muscle strength and mass, not an increase. The force of muscle contractions generally diminishes with age due to the loss of muscle fibers and changes in muscle composition.
Choice C reason: Decreased muscle mass:
This is correct. One of the most significant age-related musculoskeletal changes is sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and strength. This process begins around the age of 30 and accelerates with age, leading to decreased physical strength and increased risk of falls and fractures.
Choice D reason: Thickened vertebral discs:
Aging typically leads to the thinning and dehydration of intervertebral discs, not thickening. This can result in a reduction in height and increased susceptibility to spinal issues such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Tamoxifen
Tamoxifen is a medication primarily used to treat breast cancer. It works as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which means it blocks estrogen receptors in breast tissue. Estrogen can promote the growth of breast cancer cells, so blocking its effects can help to slow or stop the growth of these cells. However, tamoxifen is not typically used for prostate cancer because prostate cancer is driven by androgens (male hormones) rather than estrogens.
Choice B: Leuprolide
Leuprolide is a medication commonly used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is a type of hormone therapy known as a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. Leuprolide works by reducing the production of testosterone, a hormone that can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. By lowering testosterone levels, leuprolide helps to slow the progression of prostate cancer and can be used in various stages of the disease.
Choice C: Finasteride
Finasteride is a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). While finasteride can reduce the size of the prostate and improve urinary symptoms in BPH, it is not typically used as a primary treatment for prostate cancer. Its role in prostate cancer is more preventive, as it can lower the risk of developing the disease.
Choice D: Cyclophosphamide
Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancer, including lymphomas, leukemias, and some solid tumors. It works by interfering with the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. While cyclophosphamide can be used in certain cancer treatments, it is not a standard treatment for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more commonly treated with hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or other specific chemotherapy agents.