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 A
Explanation
A. Wearing braces or splints on both wrists at night helps to keep the wrists in a neutral position, preventing flexion that can worsen symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, particularly during sleep when the hands are more likely to be positioned in ways that exacerbate compression of the median nerve.
B. While notifying the healthcare provider is important if symptoms are severe, it is not the immediate teaching intervention the nurse should provide for symptom management.
C. Elevating the hands may help with swelling but is not the primary intervention for managing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially pain and tingling.
D. Cold compresses may provide temporary relief but do not address the underlying issue of median nerve compression, which is better managed by using wrist braces.