A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Monitor for abdominal ascites.
Implement a low-carbohydrate diet.
Review serum amylase levels.
Place warm compresses on areas of pruritus
The Correct Answer is A
A.
A. Monitor for abdominal ascites - Ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis due to portal hypertension and decreased albumin production. Monitoring for abdominal distention and fluid
accumulation is essential for assessing the progression of cirrhosis and implementing appropriate interventions.
B. Implement a low-carbohydrate diet - While dietary modifications may be necessary for clients with cirrhosis, such as reducing sodium intake, implementing a low-carbohydrate diet is not typically a primary intervention for cirrhosis.
C. Review serum amylase levels - Serum amylase levels are typically assessed to diagnose pancreatitis, which is not directly related to cirrhosis unless complications such as alcoholic pancreatitis are present.
D. Place warm compresses on areas of pruritus - Pruritus (itching) is a common symptom of liver disease, including cirrhosis, due to bile salt accumulation. While warm compresses may provide
temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause of pruritus in cirrhosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Arterial blood gases - Arterial blood gases are not typically assessed before initiating lithium carbonate therapy.
B. Total cholesterol - Total cholesterol levels are not specifically relevant to monitoring lithium therapy.
C. Thyroid hormones - Thyroid function should be assessed before initiating lithium therapy because lithium can affect thyroid function, potentially leading to hypothyroidism.
D. Hemoglobin - While hemoglobin levels may be monitored during lithium therapy, they are not typically assessed prior to initiating treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The water seal chamber should contain at least 2 cm of water to maintain the seal and prevent air from entering the pleural space. Only 1 cm of water is inadequate and requires intervention.
B. Tidaling, or fluctuation of water with respirations, is an expected finding and indicates that the system is functioning properly.
C. A suction chamber pressure of -20 cm H₂O is the standard setting for chest tube drainage systems and does not require intervention.
D. A drainage collection chamber that is one-third full is within normal limits and simply indicates the need to continue monitoring output.
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