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 A
Explanation
A. Apply the gown before the gloves: The gown must be applied before donning gloves to ensure that the gown fully covers the arms and torso, providing a protective barrier against contamination. Gloves are then pulled over the gown cuffs to maintain a proper seal and reduce the risk of pathogen exposure, especially with infections like Clostridium difficile.
B. The gown with the gloves on: Wearing the gown after gloves compromises the sterile barrier, allowing pathogens to contact the skin or clothing. This technique increases the risk of contamination because the gloves may not completely cover or seal the gown’s cuffs properly, which is critical in preventing the spread of infection.
C. Tuck the glove cuffs under the gown sleeves: Gloves should not be tucked under gown sleeves. Instead, gloves should cover the gown cuffs, creating a continuous protective layer. Tucking gloves under the gown can leave the wrists exposed and vulnerable to contamination, particularly when caring for clients with highly transmissible infections.
D. Push the gown sleeves up to the elbows: Pushing the sleeves up to the elbows defeats the protective purpose of the gown. It exposes the forearms to potential pathogens and bodily fluids, increasing the risk of infection transmission to both the nurse and other clients, especially when dealing with spore-forming bacteria like Clostridium difficile.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Black out the line with a felt-tip pen: Blacking out a space or entry is inappropriate because it obscures the original documentation, making the record appear altered or falsified. Medical documentation must remain clear, transparent, and legally defensible at all times.
B. Draw a horizontal line through the space and sign at the end of the line: Drawing a single horizontal line through the blank space ensures that no unauthorized additions can be made later. Signing at the end of the line maintains the integrity and completeness of the medical record, following accepted documentation standards.
C. Place the date at the beginning of the space, followed by double lines: Simply dating the space without properly securing it with a line could leave it open to later insertions. Double lines are also not a recognized standard method for handling blank spaces in documentation.
D. Leave the space as it is within the entry: Leaving a blank space unmarked can create opportunities for someone to add unauthorized information later. This poses legal and ethical risks and compromises the reliability and security of the medical record.
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