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 D
Explanation
A. Irregular uterine contractions at 38 weeks of gestation may not be a concern unless they become regular and more intense.
B. A client scheduled for a nonstress test (NST) at 39 weeks of gestation can typically wait until after attending to more urgent matters.
C. A client scheduled for an induction of labor at 40 weeks of gestation is not necessarily a priority unless there are urgent concerns.
D. Decreased fetal movement, especially for 2 days at 36 weeks of gestation, requires immediate assessment to ensure fetal well-being.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Constipation: While constipation can be uncomfortable, it is not typically considered an immediate threat to a patient's health in a cardiac unit setting. It requires assessment and intervention but is not the highest priority.
B. Indigestion can be a subtle symptom of myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in older adults, women, or clients with diabetes. Clients experiencing "indigestion" may be describing chest discomfort, which requires immediate assessment to rule out a cardiac event. Early identification and intervention for cardiac symptoms are critical to prevent further complications.
C. Swollen ankles can indicate fluid retention, which is a common sign of heart failure. While this symptom requires attention, it does not typically indicate an immediate life-threatening issue compared to potential cardiac ischemia associated with "indigestion."
D. Urinary frequency: This could be related to medications or other conditions. While it should be addressed, it is not the most critical issue compared to potential acute cardiac symptoms.
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