A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client.
A nurse notes the client's condition and initiates the following action.
Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.
The Correct Answer is []
Potential Condition: Hepatic Encephalopathy
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The client has very high ammonia levels (236 mcg/dL), elevated liver enzymes, and low albumin, all pointing toward hepatic encephalopathy. Additional signs include a history of alcohol abuse, cirrhosis, and altered liver function, which commonly contribute to ammonia accumulation and neurotoxicity.
Actions to Take:
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Administer lactulose: Helps lower serum ammonia by promoting its excretion via the GI tract.
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Assess for asterixis: A classic sign of hepatic encephalopathy characterized by a flapping tremor of the hands.
Parameters to Monitor:
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Neurologic status: To detect changes in mental status or worsening encephalopathy.
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Safety measures: Clients with hepatic encephalopathy are at high risk for confusion, falls, and injury, necessitating close supervision and safety interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is "{\"xRanges\":[118.328125,148.328125],\"yRanges\":[263,293]}"
Explanation
McBurney's point is a specific location on the lower right quadrant of the abdomen that is used in diagnosing acute appendicitis. It is situated one-third of the distance from the right anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus.Tenderness at McBurney's point is a key clinical sign of appendicitis, often indicating that the inflammation has progressed beyond the appendix itself and is affecting the peritoneum.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. 90-year-old female whose blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is rising: An isolated rise in BUN can indicate dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, or renal impairment. While BUN may increase slightly with age, a significant rise should not be dismissed as normal aging and warrants further investigation.
B. 81-year-old male whose serum creatinine level has increased sharply since his last blood work: A sharp increase in creatinine is not typical with aging and may suggest acute kidney injury or worsening chronic kidney disease. In older adults, even small creatinine changes can be significant due to reduced muscle mass.
C. 80-year-old male whose dipstick urine reveals protein is present: Proteinuria is not a normal part of aging and may indicate underlying kidney damage, hypertension, or diabetes. Even trace amounts of protein in the urine of older adults should prompt further evaluation to rule out nephropathy.
D. 78-year-old female whose GFR has been steadily declining over several years: A gradual decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is expected with aging due to nephron loss and reduced renal perfusion. This change is a normal physiologic part of aging, provided there are no abrupt drops or accompanying signs of renal disease.
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