A patient has just been admitted to a nursing unit with the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. Which of the following assessment findings would the nurse expect to see in this patient? Select all that apply.
A) Clay-colored stools
B) Dark urine
C) Elevated conjugated bilirubin levels
D) Decreased serum alkaline phosphatase levels
E) Severe itching

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Obstructive jaundice occurs when bile flow is obstructed between the liver and the intestine. Among the causes are strictures of the bile duct, gallstones, and tumors of the bile duct or the pancreas. Conjugated bilirubin levels usually are elevated; the stools are clay colored; the urine is dark; the levels of serum alkaline phosphatase are markedly elevated; and the aminotransferase levels are slightly increased. The accumulation of bile acids in the blood leads to the development of pruritus (itching).

A Patient Has Just Been Admitted to a Nursing Unit