Reference no: EM133297301

Case: Joe Harrison, a 62-year-old bank executive, presents to the emergency room with severe abdominal pain. He describes the pain as excruciating and indicates it is located in the mid epigastrium with radiation into his back. The patient states he has not eaten anything in the past 24 hours, but 2 days ago attended a wedding dinner and consumed a large meal and about 4 to 5 alcoholic beverages. Mr. Harrison admits to being a "social drinker," ingesting 2 to 3 alcoholic beverages several days a week. Based on his clinical presentation and history, Mr. Harrison is admitted with a diagnosis of rule-out pancreatitis.

A. Blood and urine samples are sent to the lab, and the results indicate that the serum amylase and lipase are markedly elevated. How do these findings correlate to the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis?

B. The nurse notes that Mr. Harrison's stool is pale and bulky, while his urine is a dark tea color. Correlate these findings to the pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis.

C. Mr. Harrison develops hypocalcemia secondary to acute pancreatitis. What nursing interventions should the nurse implement related to this complication?

D.What additional labs will the RN monitor for & discuss the nursing care for Mr. Harrison:

Robert is a 68-year-old who has dealt with alcoholism for over 30 years. He has cirrhosis and is anemic. His appetite has declined, and he regularly complains of abdominal pain. Recently, while preparing himself a sandwich, he cut his finger deeply with a knife. The wound bled profusely, and he used a kitchen towel to stop the flow. Refusing to go and seek medical assistance, he put ice on his finger and wrapped the towel around it. He sat down in his recliner with his hand over his head and fell asleep.

E. Anemia and clotting disorders are common features of alcoholic liver disease. What are the mechanisms that cause these hematologic disorders?

F. What gastrointestinal bleed is associated with a high mortality rate in those with advanced cirrhosis? What is the pathophysiology of this condition?

G.Acute pancreatitis is sometimes seen in alcoholics, particularly after binge