A nurse is collecting data from a client who has cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
Clay-colored stools
Confusion
Spider angiomas
Jaundice
The Correct Answer is B
A. Clay-colored stools: Clay-colored stools indicate a lack of bile flow due to liver dysfunction, which is expected in cirrhosis. While concerning, it is not the most urgent finding compared to signs indicating acute neurological compromise.
B. Confusion: Confusion suggests hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of cirrhosis resulting from the buildup of toxins like ammonia in the bloodstream. It indicates potential cerebral impairment and requires immediate provider notification and intervention to prevent progression to coma.
C. Spider angiomas: Spider angiomas are small, dilated blood vessels visible on the skin, commonly seen in cirrhosis due to hormonal changes and altered vascular dynamics. They are a chronic sign of liver disease and do not represent an immediate threat.
D. Jaundice: Jaundice results from elevated bilirubin levels due to impaired liver function. While jaundice signals worsening liver disease, it develops gradually and is less immediately life-threatening than the onset of neurological symptoms like confusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The client recently received a pay raise at work: Receiving a pay raise is generally considered a positive life event that can improve self-esteem and financial security. Positive achievements like this are not associated with increased suicide risk and may actually serve as protective factors against depressive symptoms.
B. The client is married and has children: Being married and having children are typically viewed as protective factors against suicide. Strong familial bonds and social connections provide emotional support, a sense of responsibility, and a buffer against feelings of isolation or hopelessness that often contribute to suicidal ideation.
C. The client has a strong religious affiliation: Strong religious beliefs can serve as a significant protective factor against suicide by providing hope, purpose, community support, and moral objections to self-harm. Clients with strong spiritual ties often demonstrate greater resilience during periods of emotional distress.
D. The client has a history of chronic back pain: Chronic pain is a known risk factor for suicide because it can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and a diminished quality of life. Clients with long-term physical pain often experience comorbid depression and are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client who developed a pressure ulcer on the sacrum: The development of a pressure ulcer during hospitalization is considered a preventable adverse event and requires an incident report. It reflects a potential lapse in standard care practices related to skin integrity and client repositioning.
B. A client who refused to take a prescribed stool softener: Clients have the right to refuse medications. This occurrence should be documented in the medical record, but it does not require an incident report since it is an exercise of client autonomy.
C. A client who reported feeling dizzy while ambulating: Feeling dizzy during ambulation should be documented and addressed with safety measures, but if no fall or injury occurred, it typically does not necessitate a formal incident report.
D. A client who received medication 1 hr after it was due: A slight delay in medication administration may need to be documented depending on the medication's importance, but a 1-hour delay, unless involving critical medication like insulin or anticoagulants, usually does not require a formal incident report.
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