A male adult is admitted because of an acetaminophen overdose. After transfer to the mental health unit, the client is told he has liver damage. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in the client's discharge plan?
Do not take any over-the-counter medications.
Eat a high carbohydrate, low fat, low protein diet.
Call the crisis hot line if feeling lonely.
Avoid exposure to large crowds.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Do not take any over-the-counter medications. This is crucial because many over-the-counter medications, including those containing acetaminophen, can further damage the liver. Avoiding these medications is essential to prevent further hepatic injury.
B. Eat a high carbohydrate, low fat, low protein diet. While diet can influence liver health, this specific dietary advice is less critical than preventing further liver damage from medications.
C. Call the crisis hot line if feeling lonely. This is important for mental health support, but the immediate physical health concern related to liver damage takes precedence.
D. Avoid exposure to large crowds. This may be relevant if the client is immunocompromised due to liver damage, but it is not as directly related to preventing further liver injury as avoiding certain medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Test the fluid on the dressing for glucose.
This is the correct action. Clear fluid on a dressing after lumbar spinal surgery could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Testing the fluid for glucose is essential because CSF contains glucose, whereas normal wound drainage does not. A positive glucose test would confirm the presence of CSF, indicating a potential complication that requires immediate medical attention.
B. Mark the drainage area with a pen and continue to monitor.
While monitoring the size of the drainage area can be useful, it is not the immediate priority. The nurse should first determine whether the clear fluid is CSF.
C. Change the dressing using a compression bandage.
Changing the dressing might be necessary, but using a compression bandage without first identifying the nature of the fluid could be inappropriate and potentially harmful if the fluid is CSF.
D. Document the findings in the electronic medical record.
Documentation is important, but it is not the immediate action. The nurse needs to identify the nature of the fluid first.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Compare muscle strength bilaterally. While hyperkalemia can lead to muscle weakness, assessing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most critical intervention in this scenario. The priority is to assess for cardiac manifestations of hyperkalemia.
B. Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, including bradycardia, heart block, and ventricular tachycardia. Assessing the apical pulse rate and rhythm can provide essential information about cardiac function and help identify potential dysrhythmias.
C. Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes. Hyperkalemia can affect neuromuscular function, leading to hyperreflexia or diminished reflexes. While assessing deep tendon reflexes is
important, it is not as critical as assessing cardiac function in a client with known hyperkalemia.
D. Observe color and amount of urine. While changes in urinary output and characteristics may indicate renal impairment associated with hyperkalemia, the priority in this situation is to assess for cardiac manifestations of hyperkalemia.
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