A nurse is caring for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with liver disease.
Which laboratory values should the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider will order to confirm this diagnosis?
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
D-dimer
C-reactive protein (CRP)
Albumin .
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that can detect and monitor inflammation in the body. It measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) in a test tube separate from blood serum over time, with the rate being faster in people with inflammatory diseases. While it can be elevated in many conditions, including liver disease, it is not specific to liver disease and therefore would not typically be used to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.
Choice B rationale
D-dimer is a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis. It is typically used to rule out thrombosis (blood clots), not to diagnose liver disease.
Choice C rationale
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver and sent into the bloodstream in response to inflammation. While it can be elevated in many conditions, including liver disease, it is not specific to liver disease and therefore would not typically be used to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.
Choice D rationale
Albumin is a protein made by the liver, and measuring its levels can help diagnose liver disease. When the liver is damaged, it can’t make enough albumin, so the level of albumin in the blood gets lower. This is why albumin is often used as a marker of liver function, and why it would be anticipated in the laboratory values ordered to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While bleeding precautions are important in certain conditions, they may not be the priority for a patient with significant abdominal ascites. Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, is often caused by liver disease such as cirrhosis.
Choice B rationale
Skin safety protocols are important for all patients, but they may not be the priority in this case. Ascites can cause discomfort and other complications, but it does not directly cause skin problems.
Choice C rationale
A sodium restriction diet can be beneficial for patients with ascites, as it can help reduce fluid accumulation. However, this measure may not be the priority in this case.
Choice D rationale
Implementing a fall risk protocol should be prioritized. The patient’s significant abdominal ascites could affect their balance and mobility, increasing their risk of falls. Furthermore, the patient usually uses a cane for support but forgot to bring it to the hospital, further increasing their fall risk.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Providing information is a communication technique where the nurse gives the patient factual and relevant information. In this scenario, the nurse is not providing information but rather seeking to understand the patient’s feelings.
Choice B rationale
Summarizing is a communication technique where the nurse reviews the main points of the conversation to ensure understanding. In this scenario, the nurse is not summarizing the conversation but rather seeking to understand the patient’s feelings.
Choice C rationale
Clarification is a communication technique where the nurse seeks to understand the patient’s message by asking for more information or for elaboration on a point. In this scenario, the nurse is using clarification by restating the patient’s concern in a different way to confirm their understanding.
Choice D rationale
Confrontation is a communication technique where the nurse addresses observed discrepancies or conflicts in the patient’s behavior or communication. In this scenario, the nurse is not confronting the patient but rather seeking to understand their feelings.
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