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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"C"}}

Explanation

• Increase fiber intake: This is nonessential at this time. While a high-fiber diet can help prevent future episodes of diverticulitis, it won’t help in the acute phase, especially when the client is unable to eat or drink without vomiting.
• CT of the abdomen with contrast: This is an anticipated action. A CT scan can help confirm the diagnosis of diverticulitis and assess the severity of the condition.
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy: This is an anticipated action. A flexible sigmoidoscopy can help visualize the diverticula and assess the extent of the inflammation.

• Change IV fluids to 0.9% sodium chloride with KCl: This is an anticipated action. The client is likely dehydrated due to vomiting and unable to take oral fluids, so IV hydration is necessary. The client’s potassium level is at the lower end of the normal range, so adding KCl to the IV fluids can help prevent hypokalemia.
• Type and crossmatch blood: This is an anticipated action. The client has a positive stool occult blood test and a lower than normal hemoglobin and hematocrit, suggesting that he may be experiencing bleeding. It’s important to have blood ready for a transfusion if necessary.
• Administer IV piperacillin-tazobactam: This is contraindicated. Piperacillin-tazobactam is a penicillin-based antibiotic, and the client has a known allergy to penicillin. Another class of antibiotics should be used. Please note that these are potential actions and the healthcare provider should be informed immediately for further evaluation and management. It’s important to continue following the provider’s prescriptions and closely monitor the client’s condition.

A. Cramping, constant pain to the left lower quadrant B. Diarrhea for 3 days C. Sudden onset 2 hours earlier D. Pain located in the right lower quadrant.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Diverticulitis is a condition that occurs when small pouches in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. It typically causes severe, cramping pain that is constant and usually located in the lower left side of the abdomen.
Choice B rationale
While diarrhea can occur with diverticulitis, it is not the primary symptom used to describe the pain associated with this condition.
Choice C rationale
Sudden onset of pain is not typically associated with diverticulitis. The pain from diverticulitis is usually constant and located in the lower left side of the abdomen.
Choice D rationale
Pain located in the right lower quadrant is more commonly associated with conditions such as appendicitis, not diverticulitis.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is assisting in the care of a patient who has cirrhosis of the liver with ascites. What action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a 45-year-old male client in the emergency department who reports severe abdominal pain. Exhibits Based on the information provided, which of the following provider’s prescriptions are anticipated, nonessential, or contraindicated for the client? Select one response per row.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"A"},"F":{"answers":"C"}}

Explanation

The nurse is collecting data for a client with abdominal pain. Which pain description is consistent with diverticulitis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient with Crohn’s disease has recently undergone surgery to create an ileostomy. For which common complication of this type of surgery should the nurse monitor the patient in the postoperative period?

A nurse is examining the medical record of a patient who has a peptic ulcer. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as a risk for this condition?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is 12 hr postoperative following a colectomy with colostomy placement. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

The nurse provides education for a patient about the treatment for acute gastritis. Which patient statement requires correction by the nurse?

A nurse is collecting data from a patient who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and reports experiencing heartburn every night. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as a contributing factor to the patient’s heartburn?

A client with hepatitis has contracted the infection from contaminated food. Which type of hepatitis is this client most likely experiencing?

The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a possible bowel obstruction. Which patient symptom should cause the nurse the most concern?

A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. When helping to manage the patient’s pain, which of the following principles should the nurse apply? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is assisting in the care of a patient who has cirrhosis of the liver with ascites.
What action should the nurse take?