A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who reports recently using methylenedioxyphenol-methamphetamine. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Explanation

D, Elevated ammonia

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the progressive scarring of liver tissue. As liver function becomes impaired, there is a decrease in the liver's ability to metabolize and detoxify substances, including ammonia. Elevated ammonia levels in the blood, known as hyperammonemia, are commonly seen in clients with advanced cirrhosis.

Elevated amylase in (option A) is incorrect because it is typically seen in conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, and is not specific to cirrhosis.

Decreased bilirubin levels in (option B) is incorrect because they are not expected in cirrhosis. In fact, bilirubin levels are often elevated in cirrhosis due to impaired liver function and the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.

Elevated lipase in (option C) is incorrect because it is typically seen in pancreatic disorders, such as pancreatitis, and is not specific to cirrhosis.

Furosemide works by promoting diuresis, which helps to reduce fluid volume overload in heart failure. Increased urinary output indicates that the medication is effectively removing excess fluid from the body. This can help alleviate symptoms such as edema and fluid retention commonly associated with heart failure. Therefore, an increased urinary output is a positive response to furosemide therapy in this context.

Decreased BUN (blood urea nitrogen) levels and weight loss are also expected outcomes of diuretic therapy, further indicating the effectiveness of the medication. However, a decreased hemoglobin level is not directly related to the efficacy of furosemide and might be indicative of other factors such as anemia or bleeding, requiring further assessment and intervention.