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 C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assist the client to sit upright in a chair for 4 hours at a time:
While it is important to mobilize patients after surgery, sitting upright for 4 hours at a time is excessive and can cause discomfort and strain on the surgical site. Early postoperative care focuses on gradual mobilization and avoiding prolonged positions that could stress the spine.
Choice B reason: Expect clear drainage on the spinal dressing:
Clear drainage on the spinal dressing is not typical and could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which is a serious complication. Any unexpected drainage should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.
Choice C reason: Log roll the client every 2 hours:
Log rolling is a technique used to turn patients while keeping the spine in alignment. This method is crucial for patients who have undergone spinal surgery to prevent twisting or bending of the spine, which could disrupt the surgical site and impede healing. Regular repositioning also helps prevent pressure ulcers.
Choice D reason: Perform neurological checks every 8 hours:
Neurological checks are essential after spinal surgery to monitor for any changes in sensation, movement, or function. However, these checks are typically performed more frequently than every 8 hours, especially in the immediate postoperative period.
