Caring for clients with disorders of the Liver, gallbladder, or Pancreas

When caring for a client with advanced cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately?

Change in the client's handwriting and/or cognitive performance

A client has been newly diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and admitted to the acute medical unit. How should the nurse explain the pathophysiology of this client's health problem?

"The enzymes that your pancreas produces have damaged the pancreas itself."

Ammonia, the major etiologic factor in the development of encephalopathy, inhibits neurotransmission. Increased levels of ammonia are damaging to the body. The largest source of ammonia is from:

The digestion of dietary and blood proteins.

nurse is amending a client's plan of care in light of the fact that the client has recently developed ascites. What should the nurse include in this client's care plan?

Administration of diuretics as prescribed

The single modality of pharmacologic therapy for chronic type B viral hepatitis is:

Alpha-interferon

The nurse is concerned about potassium loss when a diuretic is prescribed for a patient with ascites and edema. What diuretic may be ordered that spares potassium and prevents hypokalemia?

Spironolactone (Aldactone)

A client with calculi in the gallbladder is said to have

Cholelithiasis

a nurse is caring for a client with cholelithiasis. Which sign indicates obstructive jaundice?

Clay-colored stools

A client with chronic pancreatitis had a pancreaticojejunostomy created 3 months ago for relief of pain and to restore drainage of pancreatic secretions. The client has come to the office for a routine postsurgical appointment. The client is frustrated that the pain has not decreased. What is the most appropriate initial response by the nurse?

"Pain relief occurs by 6 months in most clients who undergo this procedure, but some people experience a recurrence of their pain."

The family of a client in the ICU diagnosed with acute pancreatitis asks the nurse why the client has been moved to an air bed. What would be the nurse's best response?

"The bed automatically moves, so she's less likely to develop pressure sores while she's in bed."

A nurse cares for an older adult client and teaches the client about age-related changes of the biliary tract. What statements will the nurse include when discussing age-related changes that occur in the pancreas of the older adult? Select all that apply.

"The pancreas develops fibrous material with age." "The pancreas develops fatty deposits with age." "The pancreas decreases secretion of enzymes with age." "The pancreas decreases bicarbonate secretion with age."

A client who has just been diagnosed with hepatitis A asks, "How did I get this disease?" What is the nurse's best response?

"You may have eaten contaminated restaurant food."

A client has been admitted to the critical care unit with a diagnosis of toxic hepatitis. When planning the client's care, the nurse should be aware of what potential clinical course of this health problem? Place the following events in the correct sequence.1. Fever rises. 2. Hematemesis. 3. Clotting abnormalities. 4. Vascular collapse. 5. Coma.

1,2,3,4,5

Pharmacologic therapy frequently is used to dissolve small gallstones. It takes about how many months of medication with UDCA or CDCA for stones to dissolve?

6 to 12

A client seeks medical attention for a new onset of mid-back pain that is worse at night when lying supine. Which additional symptom(s) may the nurse use to determine if the client has pancreatic cancer? Select all that apply.

Ascites Jaundice Weight loss Epigastric pain

A client with liver cancer is being discharged home with a biliary drainage system in place. The nurse should teach the client's family how to safely perform which of the following actions?

Assessing the patency of the drainage catheter

The nurse is planning care for a client following an incisional cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. Which intervention is the highest nursing priority for this client?

Assisting the client to turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours

A client has ascites. Which of the following interventions would the nurse prepare to assist with implementing to help the client control this condition? Select all that apply.

Assisting with placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt Administering prescribed spironolactone (Aldactone) Instructing the client to remove salty and salted foods from the diet

A nurse is caring for a patient with cancer of the liver whose condition has required the insertion of a percutaneous biliary drainage system. The nurse's most recent assessment reveals the presence of dark green fluid in the collection container. What is the nurse's best response to this assessment finding?

Document the presence of normal bile output.

A 70-year-old client is admitted with acute pancreatitis. The nurse understands that the mortality rate associated with acute pancreatitis increases with advanced age and attributes this to which gerontologic consideration associated with the pancreas

Decreases in the physiologic function of major organs

A 70-year-old client is admitted with acute pancreatitis. The nurse understands that the mortality rate associated with acute pancreatitis increases with advanced age and attributes this to which gerontologic consideration associated with the pancreas?

Decreases in the physiologic function of major organs

A client has been treated in the hospital for an episode of acute pancreatitis. The client has acknowledged the role that his alcohol use played in the development of his health problem, but has not expressed specific plans for lifestyle changes. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Encourage the client to connect with a community-based support group.

A client is given a diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis. The client asks the nurse what findings led to this determination. Which of the following clinical manifestations would the nurse correctly identify? Select all that apply.

Enlarged liver size ascites hemorrhoids

When the nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis, what intervention can be provided in order to prevent atelectasis and prevent pooling of respiratory secretions?

Frequent changes of positions

a client's abdominal ultrasound indicates cholelithiasis. When the nurse is reviewing the client's laboratory studies, what finding is most closely associated with this diagnosis?

Increased bilirubin

The assessment of a client admitted with increased ascites related to cirrhosis reveals the following: pulse 86 beats per minute and weak, respirations 28 breaths per minute, blood pressure 130/88 mm Hg, and pulse oximetry 90%. Which nursing diagnosis should receive top priority?

Ineffective breathing pattern

A critically ill client is diagnosed with acute liver failure caused by an overdose of acetaminophen. Which treatment will the nurse anticipate being prescribed for the client?

N-acetylcysteine

What initial measure can the nurse implement to reduce risk of injury for a client with liver disease?

Pad the side rails on the bed

Which of the following conditions is most likely to involve a nursing diagnosis of fluid volume deficit?

Pancreatitis

which condition is most likely to have a nursing diagnosis of fluid volume deficit?

Pancreatitis

A client with gallstones is diagnosed with acute pancreatitis and is requesting information about the physiology of the gallbladder. Which information will the nurse include about the function of this organ?

Releases bile in response to cholecystokinin

A client is admitted to the health care facility with abdominal pain, a low-grade fever, abdominal distention, and weight loss. The physician diagnoses acute pancreatitis. What is the primary goal of nursing care for this client?

Relieving abdominal pain

A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis secondary to heavy alcohol use. The nurse's most recent assessment reveals subtle changes in the client's cognition and behavior. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

Report this finding to the primary provider due to the possibility of hepatic encephalopathy.

A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with cholecystitis, and is experiencing localized abdominal pain. When assessing the characteristics of the client's pain, the nurse should anticipate that it may radiate to what region?

Right shoulder

The nurse provides care for a client who is postoperative for surgical cholecystectomy. Which symptom(s) is indicative of biliary blockage and thus requires health care provider (HCP) notification?Drag the assessment data that indicates biliary blockage to the box on the right.

Right upper quadrant pain nausea

A 37-year-old client presents at the emergency department (ED) reporting nausea and vomiting and severe abdominal pain. The client's abdomen is rigid, and there is bruising to the client's flank. The client's spouse states that the client was on a drinking binge for the past 2 days. The ED nurse should assist in assessing the client for what health problem?

Severe pancreatitis with possible peritonitis

A nursing instructor is explaining the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of pancreatitis to a group of nursing students. The instructor evaluates the teaching as effective when a student correctly identifies which symptom as that most commonly reported by clients with pancreatitis?

Severe, radiating abdominal pain

A client has undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and is being prepared for discharge home. When providing health education, the nurse should prioritize what topic?

Signs and symptoms of intra-abdominal complications

A client is demonstrating symptoms of pancreatic cancer. Which diagnostic test will the nurse expect to be prescribed to prepare the client for surgery?

Spiral computed tomography (CT) scan

The nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis. The patient has an order for an anticholinergic medication. The nurse explains that the patient will be receiving that medication for what reason?

To reduce gastric and pancreatic secretions

A client has developed hepatic encephalopathy secondary to cirrhosis and is receiving care on the medical unit. The client's current medication regimen includes lactulose four times daily. What desired outcome should the nurse relate to this pharmacologic intervention?

Two to three soft bowel movements daily

A patient is admitted to the hospital with possible cholelithiasis. What diagnostic test of choice will the nurse prepare the patient for?

Ultrasonography

The nurse is administering Cephulac (lactulose) to decrease the ammonia level in a patient who has hepatic encephalopathy. What should the nurse carefully monitor for that may indicate a medication overdose?

Watery diarrhea

A client is admitted for suspected GI disease. Assessment data reveal muscle wasting, a decrease in chest and axillary hair, and increased bleeding tendency. The nurse suspects the client has:

cirrhosis

A client is admitted for suspected GI disease. Assessment data reveal muscle wasting, a decrease in chest and axillary hair, and increased bleeding tendency. The nurse suspects the client has:

cirrhosis.

Sixty to eighty percent of pancreatic tumors occur in the head of the pancreas. Tumors in this region obstruct the common bile duct. Which of the following clinical manifestations would indicate a common bile duct obstruction associated with a tumor in the head of the pancreas? Select all that apply.

clay-colored stools dark urine jaundice pruritis

The nurse is caring for a client recovering from acute pancreatitis. Which menu item should the nurse remove from the client's breakfast tray?

coffee

A preoperative client scheduled to have an open cholecystectomy says to the nurse, "The doctor said that after surgery, I will have a tube in my nose that goes into my stomach. Why do I need that?" What most common reason for a client having a nasogastric tube in place after abdominal surgery should the nurse include in a response?

decompression

A client with liver cirrhosis develops ascites. Which medication will the nurse prepare teaching for this client?

spironolactone

A nurse is caring for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse's assessment reveals that the client exhibits episodes of confusion, is difficult to arouse from sleep and has rigid extremities. Based on these clinical findings, the nurse should document what stage of hepatic encephalopathy?

stage 3

A nurse is assessing a postoperative client for hemorrhage. What responses associated with the compensatory stage of shock should be reported to the healthcare provider

tachycardia and tachypnea

Which of the following is the most effective strategy to prevent hepatitis B infection?

vaccine

Which medication is used to decrease portal pressure, halting bleeding of esophageal varices?

vasopressin

A client with chronic pancreatitis is treated for uncontrolled pain. Which complication does the nurse recognize is most common in the client with chronic pancreatitis?

weight loss

A client has just been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. The client is underweight and in severe pain and diagnostic testing indicates that over 80% of the client's pancreas has been destroyed. The client asks the nurse why the diagnosis was not made earlier in the disease process. What would be the nurse's best response?

"Chronic pancreatitis often goes undetected until a large majority of pancreatic function is lost."

A client with gallstones has been prescribed ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). The nurse understands that additional teaching is needed regarding this medication when the client states:

"I will take this medication for 2 weeks and then gradually stop taking it."

A student accepted into a nursing program must begin receiving the hepatitis B series of injections. The student asks when the next two injections should be administered. What is the best response by the instructor?

"You must have the second one in 1 month and the third in 6 months."

A nurse who provides care in a community clinic assesses a wide range of individuals. The nurse should identify which client as having the highest risk for chronic pancreatitis?

A 39-year-old man with chronic alcoholism

A client with a history of alcohol abuse comes to the emergency department and complains of abdominal pain. Laboratory studies help confirm a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The client's vital signs are stable, but the client's pain is worsening and radiating to his back. Which intervention takes priority for this client?

Administering morphine I.V. as ordered

What concepts does the nurse understand about gerontologic considerations related to acute pancreatitis? Select all that apply.

As the client ages, there is an increased mortality rate for acute pancreatitis. As the client ages, there is an increased risk for the development of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. As the client ages, the pattern of complications related to acute pancreatitis changes.

A nurse is caring for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. While making the initial shift assessment, the nurse notes that the client has a flapping tremor of the hands. The nurse should document the presence of what sign of liver disease?

Asterixis

The nurse is caring for a patient with cirrhosis of the liver and observes that the patient is having hand-flapping tremors. What does the nurse document this finding as?

Asterixis

The nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from the ERCP removal of gallstones. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of what complications?

Bleeding and perforation

A student nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and who is receiving parenteral nutrition. The student should prioritize which of the following assessments?

Blood glucose levels

A nurse is reviewing the health care provider orders for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. The health care provider has ordered intravenous calcium chloride infusions for the client. What does the nurse understand is the reason for this order?

Calcium binds to fatty acids when auto digestion of the pancreas occurs.

A nurse is caring for a client with severe hemolytic jaundice. Laboratory tests show free bilirubin to be 24 mg/dL (408 mmol/L). For what complication is this client at risk?

Central nervous system damage

While conducting a physical examination of a client, which of the following skin findings would alert the nurse to the liklihood of liver problems? Select all that apply.

Jaundice Petechiae Ecchymoses

Which condition in a client with pancreatitis makes it necessary for the nurse to check fluid intake and output, check hourly urine output, and monitor electrolyte levels?

Frequent vomiting, leading to loss of fluid volume

A client has an elevated serum ammonia concentration and is exhibiting changes in mental status. The nurse should suspect which condition?

Hepatic encephalopathy

A client has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has been admitted for care. Following initial treatment, the nurse should be aware that the client is most likely to require which of the following situations?

Hospice care

A nurse educator is teaching a group of recent nursing graduates about their occupational risks for contracting hepatitis B. What preventative measures should the educator promote? Select all that apply.

Immunization Use of standard precautions

A nurse on a solid organ transplant unit is planning the care of a client who will soon be admitted upon immediate recovery following liver transplantation. What aspect of nursing care is the nurse's priority?

Implementation of infection-control measures

A nurse is caring for a client with liver failure and is performing an assessment of the client's increased risk of bleeding. The nurse recognizes that this risk is related to the client's inability to synthesize prothrombin in the liver. What factor most likely contributes to this loss of function?

Inability of the liver to use vitamin K

A client with a cholelithiasis has been scheduled for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Why is laparoscopic cholecystectomy preferred by surgeons over an open procedure?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy poses fewer surgical risks than an open procedure.

Clinical manifestations of common bile duct obstruction include all of the following except:

Light-colored urine

Which of the following is commonly associated with acute episodes of pancreatitis?

Long-term use of alcohol

The nurse is providing care to a patient with gross ascites who is maintaining a position of comfort in the high semi-Fowler's position. What is the nurse's priority assessment of this patient?

Respiratory assessment related to increased thoracic pressure

A client who had surgery for gallbladder disease has just returned to the postsurgical unit from postanesthetic recovery. The nurse caring for this client knows to immediately report what assessment finding to the health care provider?

Rigidity of the abdomen

A client is being discharged after a liver transplant and the nurse is performing discharge education. When planning this client's continuing care, the nurse should prioritize what risk diagnosis?

Risk for infection related to immunosuppressant use

A client comes to the ED with severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The physician plans to rule out acute pancreatitis. The nurse would expect the diagnosis to be confirmed by an elevated result on which laboratory test?

Serum amylase

A patient with acute pancreatitis puts the call bell on to tell the nurse about an increase in pain. The nurse observes the patient guarding; the abdomen is board-like and no bowel sounds are detected. What is the major concern for this patient?

The patient has developed peritonitis.

The physician has written the following orders for a new client admitted with pancreatitis: bed rest, nothing by mouth (NPO), and administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) . Which does the nurse attribute as the reason for NPO status?

To avoid inflammation of the pancreas

A client has just been diagnosed with hepatitis A. On assessment, the nurse expects to note:

anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.

A client returns to the floor after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The nurse should assess the client for signs and symptoms of what serious potential complication of this surgery?

bile duct injury

During a health education session, a participant has asked about the hepatitis E virus. What prevention measure should the nurse recommend for preventing infection with this virus?

following proper hand-washing techniques

A client with suspected biliary obstruction due to gallstones reports changes to the color of his stools. Which stool color does the nurse recognize as common to biliary obstruction?

gray

Which type of jaundice seen in adults is the result of increased destruction of red blood cells?

hemolytic

What does the nurse recognize as clinical manifestations consistent with ascites? Select all that apply.

increased abdominal girth rapid weight gain visible distended veins stretch marks

The nurse's review of a client's most recent laboratory results indicates a bilirubin level of 3.0 mg/dL (51 mmol/L). The nurse assesses the client for:

jaundice

A previously healthy adult's sudden and precipitous decline in health has been attributed to fulminant hepatic failure, and the client has been admitted to the intensive care unit. The nurse should be aware that the treatment of choice for this client is what?

liver transplantation

What is the recommended dietary treatment for a client with chronic cholecystitis?

low-fat diet

A nurse educator is providing an in-service to a group of nurses working on a medical floor that specializes in liver disorders. What is an important education topic regarding ingestion of medications?

metabolism of medications

A client is being treated for acute pain from an episode of pancreatitis. The nurse has identified a nursing diagnosis of Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to pain secondary to effects of surgery. Which intervention should the nurse perform in order to best address this diagnosis?

Administer analgesic per orders.

A nurse is amending a client's plan of care in light of the fact that the client has recently developed ascites. What should the nurse include in this client's care plan?

Administration of diuretics as prescribed

A client with ongoing back pain, nausea, and abdominal bloating has been diagnosed with cholecystitis secondary to gallstones. The nurse should anticipate that the client will undergo what intervention?

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

A nurse is performing an admission assessment of a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis. What technique should the nurse use to palpate the client's liver?

Place hand under right lower rib cage and press down lightly with the other hand.

The nurse is admitting a patient to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. What does the nurse expect was the reason the patient came to the hospital?

Severe abdominal pain

During chronic pancreatitis, the patient's stool may become frothy and foul-smelling. This would be documented as which of the following?

Steatorrhea

A client has been diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer and will soon begin aggressive treatment. What assessment findings would most strongly suggest that the client may have developed liver metastases?

Abdominal pain and hepatomegaly