A client was admitted to the emergency department with slurred speech and impaired motor coordination. The blood alcohol level is over 300 mg/dL. The physician orders thiamine for the client. The nurse understands that the physician ordered thiamine to:
Prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Prevent alcoholic hepatitis.
Rehydrate the client.
Prevent pancreatitis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is essential for brain function and the metabolism of carbohydrates. In the context of high blood alcohol levels, thiamine is administered to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy, a serious neurological disorder. This condition is often precipitated by a thiamine deficiency, which can be exacerbated by alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption can impair thiamine absorption and utilization, leading to depleted stores. Wernicke's encephalopathy is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia, and if left untreated, it can progress to Korsakoff syndrome, a chronic and debilitating condition.
Choice B Reason
While alcoholic hepatitis is a concern in individuals with excessive alcohol intake, thiamine is not specifically used to prevent this condition. Alcoholic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver due to alcohol abuse, and its prevention primarily involves abstinence from alcohol, nutritional support, and medical management of liver inflammation. Thiamine does not play a direct role in preventing liver inflammation but is crucial for overall nutritional replenishment in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Choice C Reason
Rehydration is indeed important for clients with high blood alcohol levels; however, thiamine does not serve this purpose. Rehydration typically involves the administration of intravenous fluids to restore fluid balance and electrolytes. Thiamine is not a rehydrating agent but is given to prevent neurological complications associated with thiamine deficiency, which can be seen in individuals with chronic alcoholism.
Choice D Reason
Preventing pancreatitis is not the primary reason for administering thiamine in this scenario. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can be associated with chronic alcohol abuse, but thiamine is not used as a preventative treatment for this condition. The management of pancreatitis involves addressing the underlying causes, supportive care, and sometimes hospitalization for more severe cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Increasing fiber intake is crucial for clients with diverticular disease. A high-fiber diet softens the stool and helps it pass more easily, reducing the pressure in the digestive tract. Fresh fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of fiber and other nutrients essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a dietary fiber intake of 14 grams per 1,000 calories consumed, which equates to 28 grams per day for a 2,000-calorie diet.
Choice b reason:
While avoiding foods high in sugar is generally good advice for overall health, it is not specifically related to the management of diverticular disease. There is no direct link between sugar intake and the symptoms or complications of diverticular disease. However, a diet high in sugar can contribute to obesity, which is a risk factor for the development of diverticulosis.
Choice c reason:
Decreasing fluid intake is not recommended for clients with diverticular disease. In fact, adequate hydration is essential when increasing fiber intake. Fluids help fiber work better by allowing it to absorb water and expand, aiding in easier passage through the intestines.
Choice d reason:
The previous belief that small seeds and nuts should be avoided by individuals with diverticular disease has been debunked. Recent studies have shown that these foods do not increase the risk of complications and are not harmful to individuals with this condition. Therefore, this advice is outdated and no longer considered necessary as part of dietary teaching for diverticular disease.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
The continuous nature of the mucosa refers to the uninterrupted lining of the urinary tract, which provides a barrier against pathogens. However, this characteristic is not a significant factor in the increased susceptibility of women to cystitis. Both men and women have a continuous mucosal lining, and it does not account for the gender difference in infection rates.
Choice B Reason
High estrogen levels can influence the tissues of the urinary tract and may affect susceptibility to infections. However, the role of estrogen in the development of cystitis is not as direct or significant as anatomical differences. Estrogen levels vary throughout a woman's life and do not consistently correlate with cystitis risk.
Choice C Reason
Urethral proximity to the rectum is the most significant anatomical factor contributing to a woman's increased susceptibility to cystitis¹⁴. Women have a shorter urethra than men, and its close proximity to the anus allows bacteria from the bowel area to more easily enter the urinary tract and cause infections.
Choice D Reason
Inadequate fluid intake can lead to less frequent urination, which is a risk factor for cystitis because it reduces the natural flushing of bacteria from the urinary tract. However, this is a modifiable risk factor and does not inherently explain the higher incidence of cystitis in women compared to men.
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