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: While some women may start producing milk as early as 24 to 48 hours after delivery, this is not the typical timeframe for most women. The initial milk produced is colostrum, which is different from the mature milk that comes in later.
Choice B reason: For most women, breast milk “comes in” around 3 to 5 days postpartum. This period marks the transition from colostrum to mature milk, which is more abundant and nutritionally rich. During this time, mothers may experience breast engorgement and increased milk production.
Choice C reason: Breast milk typically does not take about 10 days to come in. By this time, most women will have already transitioned to mature milk. If milk production has not started by this time, it may indicate a problem that requires medical attention.
Choice D reason: The timeframe of 6 to 8 days is also not typical for the initial onset of mature milk production. Most women will have their milk come in within the first week postpartum.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Clean clothing is important for comfort and hygiene during a disaster, but it is not typically considered an essential item for a basic disaster preparedness kit. Essential items focus on survival needs such as food, water, and medical supplies.
Choice B reason:
Personal identification is crucial in a disaster situation. It helps in verifying identity, accessing services, and reuniting with family members. Important documents such as identification cards, insurance policies, and bank records should be included in a waterproof container.
Choice C reason:
The recommendation is to have one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, which totals three gallons, not quarts. Water is essential for drinking and sanitation.
Choice D reason:
Matches can be useful for starting fires for warmth or cooking, but they are not considered a primary necessity in a basic disaster preparedness kit. More critical items include food, water, and medical supplies.
Choice E reason:
Prescription medications are essential for individuals who rely on them for chronic conditions. Having an adequate supply of necessary medications can be life-saving during a disaster when access to pharmacies may be limited.