TTC NUR205 MedSurgII: Chapter 25 PrepU (Hepatic & Biliary Disorders)

A client with alcoholic cirrhosis develops hematemesis. For which intervention will the nurse prepare this client?

Endoscopy

A group of students is reviewing information about the liver and associated disorders. The group demonstrates understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as a primary function of the liver?

Excrete bile

The nurse is caring for a client suspected of having stones that have collected in the common bile duct. What test should the nurse prepare the client for that will locate these stones?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

The nurse is caring for a client with hepatocellular jaundice. Which finding(s) will the nurse expect to assess in this client? Select all that apply.

Fatigue Nausea Malaise

A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a client undergoing a cholecystectomy. Which topic should the nurse include in her teaching plan?

Increase respiratory effectiveness. The nurse must teach the client about using an incentive spirometer to promote lung expansion. The high abdominal incision used in a cholecystectomy interferes with respirations postoperatively, increasing the risk of atelectasis.

A nurse in the surgical ICU just received a client from recovery following a Whipple procedure. Which nursing diagnoses should the nurse consider when caring for this acutely ill client? Select all that apply.

potential for infection acute pain and discomfort alterations in respiratory function

A nurse cares for a client who is post op cholecystectomy due to the development of cholesterol stones. The client asks the nurse, "Why did I develop these stones?" What is the nurse's best response?

"The stones formed from a component in the bile and are caused by bile acid and fat abnormalities in the bloodstream."

Management of a patient with ascites includes nutritional modifications and diuretic therapy. Which of the following interventions would a nurse expect to be part of patient care? Select all that apply.

-Aldactone, an aldosterone-blocking agent would be used. -Daily salt intake would be restricted to 2 grams or less. -The diuretic will be held if the serum sodium level decreases to <134 m Eq/L.

A client with a history of pancreatitis seeks medical attention for increasing episodes of abdominal pain. Which assessment finding(s) indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing chronic pancreatitis? Select all that apply.

Anorexia Weight loss Foul-smelling stools

The nurse is caring for a client with a biliary disorder who has an elevated amylase level. If this elevation correlates to dysfunction, which body process does the nurse recognize may be impaired?

Carbohydrate digestion Amylase is a pancreatic enzyme involved in the breakdown and digestion of carbohydrates.

Which foods should be avoided following acute gallbladder inflammation?

Cheese The client should avoid eggs, cream, pork, fried foods, cheese, rich dressings, gas-forming vegetables, and alcohol. It is important to remind the client that fatty foods may induce an episode of cholecystitis.

Which term most precisely refers to the incision of the common bile duct for removal of stones?

Choledocholithotomy

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

Clay-colored stools

A client has a tumor of the head of the pancreas. What clinical manifestations will the nurse assess? Select all that apply.

Clay-colored stools Dark urine Jaundice

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 client is seeing the physician for a suspected tumor of the liver. What laboratory study results would indicate that the client may have a primary malignant liver tumor?

Elevated alpha-fetoprotein

A nurse is planning care for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which client outcome does the nurse assign as the highest priority?

Maintaining normal respiratory function Airway and breathing are always the priority assessment. Acute pancreatitis produces retroperitoneal edema, elevation of the diaphragm, pleural effusion, and inadequate lung ventilation

A client has undergone a liver biopsy. Which postprocedure position is appropriate?

On the right side

A client diagnosed with acute pancreatitis is being transferred to another facility. The nurse caring for the client completes the transfer summary, which includes information about the client's drinking history and other assessment findings. Which assessment findings confirm the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis?

Pain with abdominal distention and hypotension

The nurse is caring for a client with hepatitis. Which of the following would lead the nurse to suspect that the client is in the prodromal phase?

Rash During the prodromal or preicteric phase, the following signs and symptoms would be noted: urticaria; nausea; vomiting; anorexia; fever; malaise; arthralgia; headache; right upper quadrant (RUQ) discomfort; enlargement of the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes; weight loss; and rash.

A client with a new diagnosis of gallstones declines surgical intervention and requests information on midigating stratergies. The nurse anticipates teaching to focus on which client behaviors and monitoring strategies?

Recommend a low fiber diet, monitor for fevers and increased abdominal girth.

A client is treated for gastrointestinal problems related to chronic cholecystitis. What pathophysiological process related to cholecystitis does the nurse understand is the reason behind the client's GI problems?

Reduced or absent bile as a result of obstruction impacts digestion.

A client with pancreatitis is admitted to the medical intensive care unit. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Reserving a site for a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) Pancreatitis treatment typically involves resting the GI tract by maintaining nothing-by-mouth status. The nurse should reserve a site for placement of a PICC, which enables the client to receive long-term total parenteral nutrition.

Over the past 2 years, a 51-year-old man has been admitted to the hospital five times for problems related to alcohol abuse, including falls, acute alcohol withdrawal, and cirrhosis. The man's current admission has been precipitated by signs and symptoms of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The care team is reasonably pleased with the patient's recovery to this point and discharge planning has begun. When organizing the patient's discharge planning, what psychosocial nursing diagnosis should be prioritized?

Risk for ineffective management of therapeutic regimen

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 Spiral (helical) computed tomography (CT) is more than 85% to 90% accurate in the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic cancer and currently is the most useful preoperative imaging technique.

Gynecomastia is a common side effect of which of the following diuretics?

Spironolactone

A nurse assesses a patient diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy. She observes a number of clinical signs, including asterixis and fetor hepaticus; the patient's electroencephalogram (EEG) is abnormal. The nurse documents that the patient is exhibiting signs of which stage of hepatic encephalopathy?

Stage 2

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 nurse is planning the care of a patient who has a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. As part of this patient's early discharge planning, the nurse is identifying goals for self-care in collaboration with the patient. Which of the following goals is the most likely priority?

The patient will abstain from drinking alcohol.

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 nurse is caring for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which nursing action is most appropriate for a client with this diagnosis?

Withholding all oral intake, as ordered, to decrease pancreatic secretions

A client is admitted to the healthcare facility suspected of having acute pancreatitis and undergoes laboratory testing. Which of the following would the nurse expect to find?

Elevated urine amylase levels Elevated serum and urine amylase, lipase, and liver enzyme levels accompany significant pancreatitis.

A client with right upper quadrant pain and weight loss is diagnosed with liver cancer. For which treatment will the nurse prepare the client when it is determined that the disease is confined to one lobe of the liver?

Liver resection

Which is a gerontological consideration associated with the pancreas?

Increased amount of fibrous material

The nurse is preparing to interview a client with cirrhosis. Based on an understanding of this disorder, which question would be most important to include?

"How often do you drink alcohol?"

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 client is diagnosed with a disorder that affects pancreatic digestive enzymes, and their typsin levels are elevated. The client has jaudice and verbalizes severe abdominal pain. The nurse most likely anticipates which condition?

Acute pancreatitis

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

Alpha-interferon

The nurse is assessing a client with hepatic cirrhosis for mental deterioration. For what clinical manifestations will the nurse monitor? Select all that apply.

Alterations in mood Agitation Insomnia

A client with calculi in the gallbladder is said to have

Cholelithiasis

The nurse is caring for a client with suspected chronic pancreatitis. Which diagnostic test or imaging does the nurse recognize as the most useful in diagnosing this condition?

ERCP

A nurse cares for a client with a disorder of the endocrine function of the pancreas. Which hormones or enzymes may be impacted by this disorder? Select all that apply.

Insulin Glucagon Somatostatin

A client with acute pancreatitis has been started on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which action should the nurse perform after administration of the TPN?

Measure blood glucose concentration every 4 to 6 hours

The critical care nurse is caring for a patient with cirrhosis. What is a priority nursing function when caring for a patient with cirrhosis?

Monitoring the patient's mental status

The nurse identifies a potential collaborative problem of electrolyte imbalance for a client with severe acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding alerts the nurse to an electrolyte imbalance associated with acute pancreatitis?

Muscle twitching and finger numbness Muscle twitching and finger numbness indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication of acute pancreatitis.

A client is actively bleeding from esophageal varices. Which medication would the nurse most expect to be administered to this client?

Octreotide

A client with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following should the nurse administer to the client before surgery?

Packed red blood cells Preoperative preparation includes adequate hydration, correction of prothrombin deficiency with vitamin K, and treatment of anemia to minimize postoperative complications.

Which of the following the are early manifestations of liver cancer? Select all that apply.

Pain Continuous aching in the back

Because clients with pancreatitis cannot tolerate high-glucose concentrations, total parental nutrition (TPN) should be used cautiously with them. Which of the following interventions has shown great promise in the prognosis of clients with severe acute pancreatitis?

Providing intensive insulin therapy

The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which prescription will the nurse question before implementing?

Regular insulin infusion for blood glucose level greater than 126 mg/dL.

A client with hepatitis who has not responded to medical treatment is scheduled for a liver transplant. Which of the following most likely would be ordered?

Tacrolimus

A client with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following should a nurse administer to the client before surgery?

Vitamin K Clients with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas typically require vitamin K before surgery to correct a prothrombin deficiency.

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 physician has ordered a liver biopsy for a client with cirrhosis whose condition has recently deteriorated. The nurse reviews the client's recent laboratory findings and recognizes that the client is at risk for complications due to:

low platelet count.

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

low-fat diet

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

A client with hepatic cirrhosis questions the nurse about the possible use of an herbal supplement—milk thistle—to help heal the liver. Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

"Silymarin from milk thistle has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may have beneficial effects, especially in hepatitis. However, you should always notify your primary care provider of any herbal remedies being used so drug interactions can be evaluated."

A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube for suction and is NPO after a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Which explanation made by the nurse is the major purpose of this treatment?

"The tube allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest."

A patient is receiving pharmacologic therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid or chenodeoxycholic-cholic acid for treatment of small gallstones. The patient asks the nurse how long the therapy will take to dissolve the stones. What is the best answer the nurse can give?

6 to 12 months

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been used to dissolve small, radiolucent gallstones. Which duration of therapy is required to dissolve the stones?

6 to 12 months

The nurse reviews the laboratory values for a patient being evaluated for alcoholic cirrhosis. The nurse is aware that a diagnostic indicator present in greater than 70% of cases is which of the following?

AST/ALT ratio >3.0

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

A nurse is teaching a client about the types of chronic liver disease. The teaching is determined to be effective when the client correctly identifies which type of cirrhosis as being caused by scar tissue surrounding portal areas?

Alcoholic cirrhosis Alcoholic cirrhosis, in which the scar tissue characteristically surrounds the portal areas, is most frequently caused by chronic alcoholism and is the most common type of cirrhosis.

A patient is suspected to have pancreatic carcinoma and is having diagnostic testing to determine insulin deficiency. What would the nurse determine is an indicator for insulin deficiency in this patient? (Select all that apply).

An abnormal glucose tolerance Glucosuria Hyperglycemia

A patient is brought to the emergency department by ambulance. He has hematemesis and alteration in mental status. The patient has tachycardia, cool clammy skin, and hypotension. The patient has a history of alcohol abuse. What would the nurse suspect the patient has?

Bleeding esophageal varices

When inspecting the abdomen of a client with cirrhosis, the nurse observes that the veins over the abdomen are dilated. The nurse documents this finding as which of the following?

Caput medusae

A nurse discusses risk factors of cholelithiasis with a client. Which risk factors will the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

Changes in weight Cystic fibrosis Diabetes Obesity

The nurse is caring for a client with a history of recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. The nurse will anticipate preparing the client for which diagnostic test?

Computed tomography (CT) scan

What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the client with acute pancreatitis?

Deficient fluid volume

The nurse cares for a client with gallstones that need to be removed but is not a surgical candidate or endoscopic candidate. What procedure does the nurse recognize as being a possible treatment option for the client?

ESWL Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, (ESWL) also known as lithotripsy, uses shock waves to break up gallstones for their removal and does not involve surgery or endoscopy.

A client seeks medical attention for severe abdominal and back pain that is unrelieved with antacids. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the client is experiencing acute pancreatitis?

Ecchymosis around the umbilicus

A 33-year-old male patient with a history of IV heroin and cocaine use has been admitted to the medical unit for the treatment of endocarditis. The nurse should recognize that this patient is also likely to test positive for which of the following hepatitis viruses?

Hepatitis C

When reviewing the history of a client with pancreatic cancer, the nurse would identify which of the following as a possible risk factor?

History of pancreatitis

Upon receiving the dinner tray for a client admitted with acute gallbladder inflammation, the nurse will question which of the following foods on the tray?

Hot roast beef sandwich with gravy The diet immediately after an episode of acute cholecystitis is initially limited to low-fat liquids.

A 49-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use and liver cirrhosis has been admitted to the hospital's medical unit due to an exacerbation of his health problems that has resulted in massive ascites. The nurse should be prepared to implement which of the following interventions in an effort to resolve the patient's ascites?

Low-sodium diet and administration of diuretics

The nurse is completing a morning assessment of a client with cirrhosis. Which information obtained by the nurse will be of most concern?

The client's hands flap back and forth when the arms are extended. Asterixis, an involuntary flapping of the hands, may be seen in stage II encephalopathy. It indicates that the client has hepatic encephalopathy and, if untreated, a hepatic coma may occur.

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.

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

Vasopressin

The nurse knows that the client with cholelithiasis can have a nutritional deficiency. The obstruction of bile flow due to cholelithiasis can interfere with the absorption of

Vitamin A Obstruction of bile flow interferes with absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

A client with acute pancreatitis has jaundice with diminished bowel sounds and a tender distended abdomen. Additionally, lab results indicate hypovolemia. What will the physician order to treat the large amount of protein-rich fluid that has been released into the client's tissues and peritoneal cavity? Select all that apply.

diuretics albumin Diuretics are given if circulating fluid is excessive. IV albumin may be given to pull fluid trapped in the peritoneum back into the circulation

A client has received a diagnosis of portal hypertension. What does portal hypertension treatment aim to reduce? Select all that apply.

fluid accumulation venous pressure

Which type of deficiency results in macrocytic anemia?

Folic acid

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 nursing student is reviewing for an upcoming anatomy and physiology examination. Which of the following would the student correctly identify as a function of the liver? Select all that apply.

Glucose metabolism Ammonia conversion Protein metabolism

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

Hemolytic

Which condition is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in clients with acute pancreatitis?

Pancreatic necrosis

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

Pancreatitis Hypotension is typical and reflects hypovolemia and shock caused by the loss of large amounts of protein-rich fluid into the tissues and peritoneal cavity.

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

Pancreatitis Hypovolemic shock from fluid shifts is a major factor in acute pancreatitis

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

A 59-year-old male patient was diagnosed with cirrhosis several years ago. After years of successful management of his chronic disease, he experienced a constellation of symptoms that eventually resulted in a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). What treatment holds the greatest potential for curing this patient's health problem?

Liver transplantation

The nurse is teaching a client who was admitted to the hospital with acute hepatic encephalopathy and ascites about an appropriate diet. The nurse determines that the teaching has been effective when the client chooses which food choice from the menu?

Pancakes with butter and honey, and orange juice

A client is admitted to the health care center with hyperglycemia, a 15-pound weight loss, and reports of vague upper and midabdominal pain that increases in intensity at night. The client' health history indicates alcoholism, smoking of a pack of cigarettes daily, and diabetes for the past 20 years. Upon examination the nurse finds swelling in the feet and abdominal ascites. Based on the clinical manifestations, which condition is the most likely diagnosis?

Pancreatic carcinoma

Which liver function study is used to show the size of the liver and hepatic blood flow and obstruction?

Radioisotope liver scan

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

The nursing student has just reviewed material in the course textbook regarding pancreatitis. The student knows that a major symptom of pancreatitis that causes the client to seek medical care is:

Severe abdominal pain

Which of the following diagnostic studies definitely confirms the presence of ascites?

Ultrasound of liver and abdomen

The nurse is caring for a patient with ascites due to cirrhosis of the liver. What position does the nurse understand will activate the renin-angiotensin aldosterone and sympathetic nervous system and decrease responsiveness to diuretic therapy?

Upright

When caring for a client with cirrhosis, which symptoms should a nurse report immediately? Select all that apply.

change in mental status signs of GI bleeding

A nurse cares for a client who is post op open cholecystectomy and has a T-tube in place. Which clinical situation will the nurse notify the health care provider about as a possible complication of the surgery?

Significantly reduced bile output from the T-tube.

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