The nurse is caring for a client with chronic pancreatitis who reports persistent gnawing abdominal pain. To help the client manage the pain, which assessment data is most important for the nurse to obtain?
Activity level of bowel sounds.
Level and amount of physical activity.
Color and consistency of feces.
Eating patterns of dietary intake.
The Correct Answer is D
A. While bowel sounds can indicate gastrointestinal activity, they do not directly correlate with pain management or the underlying cause of abdominal discomfort in chronic pancreatitis.
B. The level and amount of physical activity may impact overall well-being but are less directly related to the management of abdominal pain from pancreatitis.
C. The color and consistency of feces can provide some information regarding pancreatic function and fat absorption but is not the most immediate factor affecting pain management.
D. Understanding the client’s eating patterns, including food triggers and timing, is crucial because certain foods can exacerbate abdominal pain in chronic pancreatitis. Dietary adjustments can significantly help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While hematocrit levels provide information about blood volume status, they are not directly relevant to infection status or wound healing in burn patients.
B. Blood pH levels can indicate acid-base imbalances, but they do not specifically inform the nurse about the presence of infection.
C. Platelet count is important for assessing coagulation and bleeding risks, but it does not provide direct information regarding infection.
D. White blood cell (WBC) count is critical in assessing for infection, as an elevated WBC count can indicate the presence of an infection, particularly in a client with significant burns who is at increased risk for sepsis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Immediately after the patient has been medicated for pain.
While pain relief may help, education should be conducted when the patient is alert and comfortable, not immediately after pain medication when they may be drowsy.
B. The last thing in the evening, after visitors have left, before bedtime. Education right before bedtime may not be effective if the patient is tired, as retention and attention may be reduced.
C. When the patient is comfortable and receptive to the patient education.
Teaching should occur when the patient is comfortable, alert, and receptive to ensure they can retain and understand the information.
D. Just before the patient is discharged, so the information is current.
Waiting until discharge could overwhelm the patient, and they may not have time to ask questions or clarify information.