A client with cirrhosis of the liver is having numerous, liquid, incontinent stools, and continues to be confused. In reviewing the client's laboratory studies, the nurse identifies an elevated serum ammonia level. Based on this finding, which prescription is most important for this client to receive?

Loperamide.

Furosemide.

Lactulose.

Intravenous (IV) human albumin.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Loperamide: Although it treats diarrhea, loperamide would worsen ammonia buildup by reducing bowel transit time. It doesn’t address the underlying hepatic encephalopathy causing confusion in cirrhosis.

B. Furosemide: This loop diuretic is used to manage ascites or edema, not elevated ammonia. It doesn’t treat the neurological symptoms caused by hepatic encephalopathy or improve stool-based ammonia excretion.

C. Lactulose: Lactulose lowers serum ammonia by trapping it in the colon and promoting its excretion through diarrhea. It directly treats confusion related to hepatic encephalopathy, making it the most important intervention here.

D. Intravenous (IV) human albumin: Albumin helps restore oncotic pressure in cases of ascites or low serum protein but does not affect ammonia levels or mental status. It supports fluid balance, not toxin elimination.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Yogurt or buttermilk: Cefdinir can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gut. Yogurt or buttermilk, which contain probiotics, can help restore beneficial bacteria and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complications such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

B. Avocados and cheese: While these are healthy foods, they do not specifically support gut health in the same way that probiotics do. Additionally, cheese may be high in fat and could potentially exacerbate gastrointestinal discomfort.

C. Fresh fruits: Fresh fruits provide important vitamins and fiber, but they do not specifically target the restoration of normal gut flora. Some fruits may also be difficult for a client with a postoperative wound infection to tolerate, especially if they are experiencing digestive issues.

D. Green leafy vegetables: While green leafy vegetables are nutritious, they do not have a direct role in supporting gut flora during antibiotic therapy. They are rich in vitamins and minerals, but the focus should be on probiotics like yogurt or buttermilk.

A. "Hyperglycemia often results in weight loss." B. "Hyperglycemia often presents as increased thirst and urination." C. "Hyperglycemia causes an increased sensation of being hungry." D. "Hyperglycemia causes a headache and flushed, dry skin." E. "Hyperglycemia causes cool and clammy skin."

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A. "Hyperglycemia often results in weight loss." While chronic uncontrolled hyperglycemia, particularly in Type 1 diabetes, can lead to weight loss due to the body breaking down fat and muscle for energy, this is less typical for the acute or early signs of hyperglycemia.

B. "Hyperglycemia often presents as increased thirst and urination." This is a classic symptom of hyperglycemia, polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyuria (increased urination), caused by the body attempting to eliminate excess glucose through urine.

C. "Hyperglycemia causes an increased sensation of being hungry." Hyperglycemia can cause an increased sensation of hunger (polyphagia), which occurs due to insulin resistance or the body’s inability to use glucose properly.

D. "Hyperglycemia causes a headache and flushed, dry skin." A common symptom of hyperglycemia is headache, and flushed, dry skin can occur due to dehydration from excessive urination.

E. "Hyperglycemia causes cool and clammy skin." Cool and clammy skin is more indicative of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) rather than hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia usually presents with warm, dry skin due to dehydration.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The healthcare provider prescribes the antibiotic cefdinir 300 mg PO every 12 hours for a client with a postoperative wound infection. Which foods should the nurse encourage this client to eat?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Exhibits After the obstetrician leaves, the client appears confused and asks the nurse, "How will I know if I have high blood sugar?" Which are the nurse's best responses? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

Which laboratory values are critical for the nurse to monitor for a client who is experiencing a thyrotoxic crisis?

Exhibits The client has received a medical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The client should receive education about living and managing her condition and how to minimize disease complications. Which education should be given to the client by the nurse? Select all that apply.

Exhibits Choose the most likely options for the information missing from the statement(s) by selecting from the lists of options provided. The diabetic nurse educator instructs the client to perform fingerstick blood glucose (FSBG) monitoring dropdownanddropdown.

The nurse is caring for a client who receives a prescription for parenteral lidocaine. Prior to administering the medication, the nurse should review the medical record for which condition?

The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of the incentive spirometer implemented in the client's plan of care. Which outcome statement best describes the effectiveness of the incentive spirometer?

The nurse is reviewing the recommended preventative care for clients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Which health care measure is most important for the nurse to recommend to these clients?

Which client's vital signs indicating increased intracranial pressure (ICP) should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?