CCRN Gastrointestinal and Renal Care 5

Question 1

A patient with acute pancreatitis has a serum calcium of 7.0 mg/dL. What causes this finding?

Accepted Answer

Fat saponification binding calcium

Answer

Released lipase causes fat necrosis that binds calcium (saponification), lowering serum calcium.

Question 2

Which sign indicates worsening intra-abdominal hypertension toward abdominal compartment syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Decreased urine output with elevated peak airway pressures

Answer

Rising intra-abdominal pressure reduces renal perfusion and compresses the diaphragm, causing oliguria and high airway pressures.

Question 3

A patient on peritoneal dialysis develops cloudy effluent. What does this most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

Peritonitis

Answer

Cloudy peritoneal dialysis effluent is the classic sign of peritonitis from infection.

Question 4

Which finding indicates a patient with chronic kidney disease has developed uremic pericarditis?

Accepted Answer

Pericardial friction rub

Answer

A pericardial friction rub is a hallmark of uremic pericarditis caused by retained uremic toxins.

Question 5

A patient with liver failure has a prolonged INR and active bleeding. Which treatment addresses the underlying coagulopathy?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma

Answer

Impaired hepatic synthesis of clotting factors is treated with vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma to replace factors.

CCRN Review Practice Test