A client with liver cirrhosis is found to have elevated iron levels in their blood. Which genetic disorder should the nurse suspect as a possible cause of these findings?
Hemochromatosis
Wilson's disease
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Primary biliary cholangitis
The Correct Answer is A
A) Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron absorption from the diet, leading to the accumulation of iron in various organs, including the liver. In individuals with hemochromatosis, the excess iron can cause liver cell injury and lead to cirrhosis over time.
B) Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that causes impaired copper metabolism, leading to copper accumulation in the liver and other organs. While it can lead to liver damage, it is not associated with elevated iron levels.
C) Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and liver. It can lead to liver disease, but it does not cause elevated iron levels.
D) Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune liver disease that primarily affects the small bile ducts within the liver. While it can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis, it is not associated with elevated iron levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Iron supplements are not a priority intervention for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. In fact, administering iron supplements without proper indication can be harmful, as excessive iron can worsen liver damage in cirrhosis.
B) While monitoring fluid intake and output is important in managing various aspects of liver cirrhosis, it is not the essential intervention for hepatic encephalopathy. The priority in hepatic encephalopathy is to ensure seizure precautions and address the client's altered mental status.
C) Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis that can lead to altered mental status, confusion, and potential seizures. Implementing seizure precautions is essential in the care of this client to ensure their safety and prevent injury during any potential seizure activity. Seizure precautions may include padding the side rails of the bed, ensuring a clear and clutter-free environment, and providing close supervision to the client. In severe cases, the healthcare provider may prescribe antiepileptic medications to manage and prevent seizures.
D) Encouraging a high-protein diet is not appropriate for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. High-protein diets can exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy by increasing ammonia production in the intestines. Instead, the client should be prescribed a controlled-protein diet and, in some cases, given lactulose to help reduce ammonia levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Jaundice refers to the yellowing of the skin and eyes and is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. While jaundice can be associated with liver cirrhosis, it does not describe the symptom of severe itching.
Pruritus refers to severe itching of the skin, which can occur in clients with liver cirrhosis due to the buildup of bile acids in the blood and skin. Elevated levels of bile acids can irritate the skin, leading to itching.
Hematemesis refers to vomiting of blood and is not related to the symptom of severe itching.
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is not related to the symptom of severe itching.
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