A nurse is assisting in the care of a patient who has cirrhosis of the liver with ascites.
What action should the nurse take?
Weigh the patient weekly.
Position the patient flat in bed.
Measure the patient’s abdominal girth every 8 hours.
Administer acetaminophen for discomfort.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Weighing the patient weekly may not be sufficient in the case of cirrhosis with ascites. Fluid accumulation can occur rapidly, and more frequent weight checks may be necessary.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the patient flat in bed is not typically recommended for patients with ascites, as this can increase pressure on the diaphragm and make breathing more difficult.
Choice C rationale
Measuring the patient’s abdominal girth every 8 hours is a common nursing intervention for patients with ascites. It allows for monitoring of fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Choice D rationale
While managing discomfort is important, acetaminophen should be used cautiously in patients with liver disease, as the liver is involved in drug metabolism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["300"]
Explanation
Step 1: Determine the total time for the infusion in hours. The infusion started at 0330 and should end by 0600. So, the total time for the infusion is 0600 - 0330 = 2.5 hours.
Step 2: Calculate the total volume of IV fluid that should infuse by 0600. The IV fluids are infusing at 120 mL/hr. So, the total volume of IV fluid that should infuse by 0600 is 120 mL/hr
× 2.5 hr = 300 mL. .
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assuring the patient that the problem is temporary may not be accurate. Postoperative dysphagia could indicate a complication from the surgery, such as the stomach fundus being wrapped too tight around the esophagus, causing food obstruction. It’s important to not dismiss the patient’s concerns without proper assessment.
Choice B rationale
Cutting the food into small pieces might help the patient swallow easier, but it does not address the underlying issue. The patient’s difficulty in swallowing could be a sign of a serious problem that needs medical attention.
Choice C rationale
Reporting the observation to the healthcare provider (HCP) is the correct action. After the repair of a paraesophageal hernia, dysphagia should be reported to the HCP. The corrective fundoplication surgery may have the stomach fundus wrapped too tight around the esophagus, causing food obstruction.
Choice D rationale
Offering the patient liquids instead might alleviate the symptom temporarily, but it does not solve the potential problem. The healthcare provider needs to be informed about the dysphagia to assess and treat the possible complication.
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