A high blood level of which substance causes hepatic coma?

Bilirubin

Calcium

Ammonia

Sodium

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: While elevated bilirubin levels can indicate liver dysfunction and lead to jaundice, they are not the primary cause of hepatic coma. Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown and its accumulation can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Choice B reason: Calcium levels, whether high or low, can affect neuromuscular function and cardiac health, but they are not directly associated with causing hepatic coma. Hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia can present with various symptoms, but not typically with hepatic coma.

Choice C reason: Elevated ammonia levels are directly associated with hepatic coma. In patients with severe liver dysfunction, the liver cannot efficiently convert ammonia (a byproduct of protein metabolism) into urea for excretion. The accumulation of ammonia in the blood can cross the blood-brain barrier and lead to encephalopathy, resulting in confusion, altered mental status, and potentially hepatic coma.

Choice D reason: Sodium levels can affect neurological function, particularly with conditions like hypernatremia or hyponatremia. However, these imbalances are not the primary cause of hepatic coma. The direct link to hepatic coma is through elevated ammonia levels.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Monitoring the patient for shortness of breath or chest pain during the transfusion is a critical task that requires nursing judgment and immediate intervention if complications arise. It is not appropriate to delegate this task to unlicensed assistive personnel.

Choice B reason: Obtaining the patient's temperature and blood pressure before the transfusion is a task that can be safely delegated to nursing assistants. This task does not require the clinical judgment of a licensed nurse and is within the scope of practice for unlicensed assistive personnel.

Choice C reason: Double-checking the product numbers on the PRBCs with the patient ID band is a crucial safety step that must be performed by licensed nursing staff. This task ensures the correct blood product is given to the correct patient and involves verification that cannot be delegated to unlicensed personnel.

A. Encourage the patient to engage in strenuous exercise to improve circulation B. Instruct the patient to use an electric razor for shaving C. Teach the patient to use a water pick for oral hygiene D. Request an order for subcutaneous heparin to prevent blood clots

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Encouraging the patient to engage in strenuous exercise to improve circulation is not appropriate for someone with thrombocytopenia. Strenuous exercise can increase the risk of injury and bleeding, which is particularly dangerous for patients with a low platelet count.

Choice B reason: Instructing the patient to use an electric razor for shaving is the most appropriate intervention. Thrombocytopenia increases the risk of bleeding, and using an electric razor instead of a traditional blade helps minimize the risk of cuts and subsequent bleeding.

Choice C reason: Teaching the patient to use a water pick for oral hygiene is not recommended for thrombocytopenia patients. Water picks can cause bleeding of the gums, which is a concern for individuals with low platelet counts. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is safer.

Choice D reason: Requesting an order for subcutaneous heparin to prevent blood clots is not advisable for a thrombocytopenia patient without specific medical indication. Heparin is an anticoagulant, and administering it to someone with low platelets can exacerbate the risk of bleeding.

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A high blood level of which substance causes hepatic coma?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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