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 C
Explanation
A. "Take the vital signs on all the patients in the lounge and tell me whether there are problems." This instruction is vague and lacks specific information about what "problems" to look for, which may lead to inconsistent reporting.
B. "Do the morning care first on the patients in 205 and 206 who can't get out of bed." This instruction is clear, but it does not specify important details like the specific type of care expected or additional needs.
C. "Give the patient in 204A a shower after breakfast, and call me to check her feet before you get her dressed." This instruction is specific, clear, and provides a follow-up action (check her feet) which is necessary. It allows the nursing assistant to understand exactly what to do and when.
D. "You take care of all the patients in 205 and 206. Let me know how you're doing and whether you need any help." This instruction lacks specificity and does not outline clear tasks or expectations, which may lead to confusion.
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.