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: Blurred vision:
While blurred vision can occur in some cases of meningitis, it is not one of the most common or definitive symptoms. Meningitis primarily affects the meninges, leading to symptoms like headache, fever, and neck stiffness. Blurred vision might be a secondary symptom due to increased intracranial pressure, but it is not as typical as other symptoms.
Choice B reason: Severe headache:
A severe headache is a hallmark symptom of meningitis. This headache is often described as intense and different from typical headaches. It is caused by the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The headache is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, neck stiffness, and sensitivity to light.
Choice C reason: Oriented to person, place, and year:
Being oriented to person, place, and year indicates normal cognitive function. However, meningitis can cause confusion, altered mental status, and even loss of consciousness in severe cases. Therefore, this finding would not be expected in a client with meningitis.
Choice D reason: Bradycardia:
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with meningitis. Meningitis symptoms are more related to the central nervous system and include fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Bradycardia might occur in other conditions but is not a common finding in meningitis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is typically the first agency to be notified in the event of a nonbiological or chemical incident. The OEM coordinates the local response efforts and ensures that all necessary resources and personnel are mobilized. They work closely with other local, state, and federal agencies to manage the incident effectively. The OEM’s role includes assessing the situation, providing information to the public, and coordinating evacuation or shelter-in-place orders if necessary.
Choice B: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays a crucial role in disaster response and recovery at the federal level. However, they are usually involved after the initial local response has been established. FEMA provides support and resources to local and state agencies, but the immediate notification should go to the local Office of Emergency Management.
Choice C: American Red Cross (ARC)
The American Red Cross (ARC) is a vital organization in disaster response, providing emergency shelter, food, and medical care. While they are an essential part of the response team, they are not typically the first agency to be notified. The ARC works in coordination with local emergency management agencies to support the affected community.
Choice D: U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees national efforts to protect against and respond to various threats, including chemical incidents. However, like FEMA, DHS is generally involved at a higher level of coordination and support. The immediate response is managed by local agencies, with DHS providing additional resources and expertise as needed