A nurse is caring for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. While making the initial shift assessment, the nurse notes that the patient has a flapping tremor of the hands. The nurse should document the presence of what sign of liver disease?
Asterixis
Fetor hepaticus
Palmar erythema
Constructional apraxia
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason:
Asterixis is a characteristic sign of hepatic encephalopathy, characterized by a flapping tremor of the hands. It is associated with liver dysfunction and is indicative of impaired ammonia metabolism in the brain.
Choice B reason:
Fetor hepaticus refers to a musty, sweet odor of the breath that is associated with severe liver disease. It is not related to the flapping tremor observed in this case.
Choice C reason:
Palmar erythema is a reddening of the palms and is associated with various conditions, including liver disease. However, it is not the sign described in the scenario.
Choice D reason:
Constructional apraxia is a neurological deficit characterized by difficulty in copying or constructing simple drawings or designs. It is not related to the flapping tremor seen in hepatic encephalopathy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
IV hydromorphone is an opioid analgesic that can provide effective pain relief and can be titrated to the patient's needs. It's commonly used for severe pain associated with conditions like acute pancreatitis.
Choice B reason:
Oral naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may be used for pain relief, but it's not the first-line treatment for acute pancreatitis. NSAIDs can potentially worsen the condition due to their effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice C reason:
IM meperidine is an opioid analgesic that can be used for pain relief. However, in severe cases of acute pancreatitis, IV opioids are often preferred for more immediate and precise pain control.
Choice D reason:
Oral oxycodone is another opioid analgesic. However, in cases of acute pancreatitis, especially when pain is severe, IV opioids are often the preferred route of administration for more rapid and reliable pain relief.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Monitoring creatinine levels is important, but it may not be the top priority in this situation.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Given the severe diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile infection, monitoring potassium levels is crucial to identify and address potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications.
Choice C reason:
Monitoring white blood cell levels is important in the context of infection, but potassium levels are more directly relevant to managing severe diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile.
Choice D reason:
Hemoglobin levels are important for assessing anemia, but in this context, monitoring potassium levels takes precedence due to the potential for electrolyte imbalances from severe diarrhea.
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