A Patient Admitted to the Emergency Department with Abdominal Pain

question 8

Multiple Choice

A patient admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain tells the nurse he has been taking kava. Which action is the nurse's priority at this time?

• A) Review liver function studies.
• B) Assess breath sounds and respiratory effort.
• C) Monitor cardiovascular status.
• D) Review complete blood count results.

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Definitions:

Leptin

A substance secreted by adipose cells that aids in maintaining energy equilibrium by suppressing appetite.

Ghrelin

A hormone produced by the stomach that stimulates appetite and signals the brain to increase food intake.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates the body's rapid involuntary response to dangerous or stressful situations.

Subjective Awareness

The state of being conscious of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings from a personal perspective.