A nurse admits a client to the emergency department who reports nausea and vomiting that worsens when he lies down. Antacids do not help. The provider suspects acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?

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Multiple Choice Questions on Gastrointestinal Disorders Questions

Question 1 of 5

A nurse admits a client to the emergency department who reports nausea and vomiting that worsens when he lies down. Antacids do not help. The provider suspects acute pancreatitis. Which of the following laboratory test results should the nurse expect to see?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased serum amylase. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed and releases enzymes like amylase into the bloodstream. Amylase levels rise significantly in this condition. Elevated serum amylase is a key diagnostic marker for acute pancreatitis. A: Decreased WBC - This is not a typical finding in acute pancreatitis. Inflammation in the pancreas usually leads to an increased WBC count. C: Decreased serum lipase - Lipase levels actually increase in acute pancreatitis along with amylase. Both are important diagnostic markers. D: Increased serum calcium - While hypercalcemia can occur in severe pancreatitis, it is not as specific or sensitive as elevated amylase levels in diagnosing acute pancreatitis.

Question 2 of 5

After abdominal surgery, your patient has a severe coughing episode that causes wound evisceration. In addition to calling the doctor, which intervention is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Cover the wound with a saline-soaked sterile dressing. This intervention helps maintain a moist environment for wound healing and prevents further contamination. Irrigating with Betadine (A) can be harmful to tissues. Applying a dry sterile dressing (C) can lead to desiccation and delays healing. Pushing organs back (D) should only be done by a medical professional to avoid causing further harm.

Question 3 of 5

Stimulation of the parasympathetic neurons in the GI tract from Auerbach's or myenteric plexus will cause

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Stimulation of parasympathetic neurons in the GI tract from Auerbach's or myenteric plexus leads to the release of acetylcholine, which enhances GI motility and peristalsis. This is because acetylcholine acts on smooth muscle and stimulates contractions, promoting movement of food through the GI tract. Therefore, the correct answer is D. A: Inhibition of local secretions is incorrect as parasympathetic stimulation usually enhances glandular secretions in the GI tract. B: Inhibition of peristalsis is incorrect because parasympathetic stimulation typically increases peristalsis. C: Stimulation of local secretions is incorrect as parasympathetic stimulation usually promotes secretion but does not inhibit it.

Question 4 of 5

Chewing or mastication reflex originates in the ______ and the ability to initiate or stop chewing originates in the ______.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The chewing reflex originates in the medulla oblongata, which controls basic life functions like breathing and swallowing. The ability to voluntarily initiate or stop chewing comes from the cerebrum, the part of the brain responsible for conscious thoughts and movements. The pons (choice A) is involved in regulating breathing, not chewing. The spinal cord (choice C) is responsible for reflex actions but not specifically chewing. The midbrain (choice D) is more related to sensory processing and motor function, not chewing reflex. Therefore, the correct answer is B based on the roles of the medulla oblongata and cerebrum in chewing.

Question 5 of 5

The tunica submucosa and mucosa of the stomach are thrown into large folds called

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: rugae. Rugae are large folds in the tunica submucosa and mucosa of the stomach that allow for expansion when the stomach is full. Epiploic appendages (A) are fatty projections on the serosa of the large intestine. Plicae circulares (C) are circular folds in the small intestine for increasing surface area. Villi (D) are finger-like projections in the small intestine for absorption. Rugae specifically refer to the folds in the stomach lining, making them the correct answer.

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