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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Use standard precautions and wear a mask: Standard precautions are necessary for all patients, but wearing a mask is not specifically required for MRSA unless there is suspicion of respiratory involvement. The focus should be on contact precautions rather than masking.
B. Explain the purpose of a low bacteria diet: A low bacteria diet is not necessary for a client with MRSA unless the client is immunocompromised. The main focus should be on preventing MRSA transmission and managing the infection at the wound site.
C. Send wound drainage for culture and sensitivity: Sending the wound drainage for culture and sensitivity is essential for identifying the causative organism and determining appropriate antibiotic treatment for MRSA. This helps guide therapy and ensure proper management.
D. Institute contact precautions for staff and visitors: Contact precautions are critical for preventing spread of MRSA, especially in wound care situations. The nurse should ensure all staff and visitors follow these precautions to protect others and minimize transmission risk.
E. Monitor the client's white blood cell count: Monitoring the white blood cell count is important as it helps assess the client's immune response to infection. An elevated count may indicate the presence of infection, and close monitoring helps guide treatment decisions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "You didn't do anything wrong.” This statement is well-intended, but may minimize the parent’s emotional experience. It’s important to acknowledge the parent’s feelings rather than just reassuring them. This response does not invite further expression of their emotions.
B. "This must be a very difficult time for you." This response acknowledges the parent's emotional distress and validates their feelings, creating an opportunity for them to express their concerns. It provides emotional support and opens the door for further discussion.
C. "Is there any particular reason why you think this is your fault?" While it may be important to understand the parent’s concerns, this response is confrontational. It may inadvertently make the parent feel blamed, which could worsen their state instead of comfort.
D. "With surgery, your baby should have a full recovery." This response may give false hope and oversimplifies the complexities of myelomeningocele. Recovery outcomes depend on various factors. The focus should be on providing emotional support rather than making promises.
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