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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A client who has Guillain-Barré syndrome:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) can cause significant muscle weakness and paralysis, including the muscles involved in swallowing. Clients with GBS are at high risk for aspiration and may require specialized feeding techniques or assistance from a nurse rather than an AP.
Choice B reason: A client who has systemic sclerosis:
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, can affect the esophagus and cause difficulty swallowing. These clients may need careful monitoring and assistance with meals to prevent choking and ensure adequate nutrition.
Choice C reason: A client who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS):
ALS affects the motor neurons and can lead to progressive muscle weakness, including the muscles involved in swallowing. Clients with ALS often require specialized feeding techniques and close monitoring during meals to prevent aspiration.
Choice D reason: A client who has a lumbosacral spinal tumor:
A lumbosacral spinal tumor primarily affects the lower back and may cause pain or mobility issues, but it does not typically impair swallowing. Therefore, this client is the most appropriate for the AP to assist with meals, as they are less likely to have complications related to eating.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: Hypophosphatemia
Hypophosphatemia, or low phosphate levels, is not typically associated with prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI). Prerenal AKI is primarily related to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, which does not directly affect phosphate levels. Hypophosphatemia is more commonly seen in conditions such as refeeding syndrome, chronic alcoholism, and certain endocrine disorders.
Choice B: Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels, is a common electrolyte imbalance in prerenal acute kidney injury (AKI). When kidney function is impaired, the kidneys are less able to excrete potassium, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This can result in dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and requires prompt management. Hyperkalemia is often seen in various types of AKI, including prerenal, intrinsic, and postrenal causes.
Choice C: Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels, is not typically associated with prerenal AKI. In fact, AKI can sometimes lead to hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) due to impaired kidney function affecting calcium and phosphate metabolism. Hypercalcemia is more commonly associated with conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, malignancies, and certain medications.
Choice D: Hypernatremia
Hypernatremia, or high sodium levels, is also not a typical finding in prerenal AKI. Prerenal AKI is usually characterized by volume depletion, which can lead to hyponatremia (low sodium levels) due to the body’s attempt to retain water and maintain blood pressure. Hypernatremia is more commonly seen in conditions involving excessive water loss or inadequate water intake.
