A nurse is caring for a client who has hepatic encephalopathy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?
Calcium
Potassium
Ammonia
Glucose
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Calcium: While calcium is important for many bodily functions, it is not a primary indicator for monitoring hepatic encephalopathy. Calcium imbalances do not directly correlate with the severity or management of this condition.
B. Potassium: Potassium levels are important for overall electrolyte balance, but they are not specific to hepatic encephalopathy. Monitoring potassium is part of routine care but does not indicate the progression or severity of encephalopathy.
C. Ammonia: Elevated ammonia levels are a key contributor to hepatic encephalopathy. The liver normally converts ammonia to urea, and when liver function is impaired, ammonia accumulates, affecting neurological function. Monitoring ammonia helps assess severity and guide treatment interventions.
D. Glucose: While glucose monitoring is important in general care, it is not specific to hepatic encephalopathy. Hyper- or hypoglycemia may occur with liver disease but does not directly reflect the presence or progression of encephalopathy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","G"]
Explanation
Rationale for correct findings:
• Hemoglobin 12 g/Dl: The client’s hemoglobin increased from 9.1 g/dL to 12 g/dL following the transfusion of 2 units of packed RBCs. This demonstrates improved oxygen-carrying capacity and correction of anemia, reflecting a positive response to the intervention.
• Hematocrit 36%: The rise in hematocrit from 27% to 36% indicates improved red blood cell volume and overall blood oxygenation. This laboratory improvement confirms that the transfusion effectively restored circulating red blood cells and addressed the client’s prior anemia.
• Blood pressure 112/74 mm Hg: The client’s blood pressure increased from 90/50 mm Hg to 112/74 mm Hg, suggesting improved hemodynamic stability. This indicates better perfusion and a positive response to both transfusion and supportive care.
• Heart rate 95/min: The decrease in heart rate from 118/min to 95/min reflects reduced compensatory tachycardia associated with anemia and hypovolemia. This demonstrates improved cardiovascular status following transfusion.
• Oxygen saturation 100% via 2 L/min nasal cannula: Oxygen saturation improved from 98% on room air to 100% on supplemental oxygen, indicating enhanced oxygen delivery and tissue perfusion. This is an objective sign of recovery from anemia and improved respiratory efficiency.
Rationale for incorrect findings
• Temperature 37.5°C (95°F): The temperature remained essentially unchanged and within normal limits. While important to monitor for infection or transfusion reactions, this finding does not reflect improvement in oxygen-carrying capacity or hemodynamic status.
• Respiratory rate 18/min: The respiratory rate remained stable and within normal limits. Although stability is positive, it does not directly reflect the improvements in hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood pressure, or oxygen saturation resulting from the transfusion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Arrange for a meeting with the child's guardians tomorrow: Meeting with the guardians may be appropriate later, but initially, the nurse must follow mandatory reporting laws. Waiting to meet could delay protection for the child and place them at further risk.
B. Notify the president of the school board: Reporting to school administration does not replace legal obligations to report suspected child abuse. The school board president is not the appropriate authority for immediate child protection.
C. Ask the child's peers about the bruises: Questioning peers is inappropriate and could violate privacy or compromise the investigation. The nurse should not attempt to investigate the situation personally.
D. Report the findings to child protective services: As a mandated reporter, the nurse is legally required to report any suspected child abuse immediately to child protective services. This action ensures the child’s safety and initiates an official investigation.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.