A nurse is planning care for a client who has long-term liver cirrhosis and a new diagnosis of abdominal ascites. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care to prevent complications?
Administer furosemide.
Weigh the client weekly.
Offer the client a high-sodium diet.
Administer heparin.
The Correct Answer is B
Answer: A. Administer furosemide.
Rationales
A. Administer furosemide.
Furosemide, a loop diuretic, helps reduce fluid overload by promoting urinary excretion of sodium and water. In a client with cirrhosis and ascites, it decreases abdominal distention, eases breathing by reducing pressure on the diaphragm, and prevents complications related to severe fluid accumulation.
B. Weigh the client weekly.
Weekly weights would not provide sufficient monitoring for a client with ascites, since fluid retention can change rapidly within hours or days. Daily weights are necessary to detect subtle increases in fluid status and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
C. Offer the client a high-sodium diet.
A high-sodium diet would worsen fluid retention and ascites, as sodium promotes water retention. Instead, a low-sodium diet is indicated to limit further fluid buildup in the peritoneal cavity.
D. Administer heparin.
Heparin is not a standard intervention for cirrhosis with ascites. Because the diseased liver produces fewer clotting factors, clients are already at risk for bleeding, and anticoagulant therapy would heighten this risk without addressing the underlying problem of fluid accumulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Severe headache can be a symptom of a subdural hematoma, but it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other symptoms may appear before a severe headache, such as an altered level of consciousness.
Choice B rationale:
Bradycardia can occur with a subdural hematoma, especially as intracranial pressure increases. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Changes in heart rate may occur later in the progression of the condition.
Choice C rationale:
Widened pulse pressure can also occur in patients with a subdural hematoma due to increased intracranial pressure. However, it is not the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status. Other neurological signs would likely appear before changes in pulse pressure are evident.
Choice D rationale:
Change in level of consciousness is the earliest manifestation of a change in neurological status with a subdural hematoma. As intracranial pressure increases, the brain's functioning can be affected, leading to alterations in consciousness, ranging from mild confusion to unconsciousness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Let's break down the calculation:
Given:
- Patient weight: 154 lbs
- Enoxaparin dosage: 0.75 mg/kg
- Available enoxaparin: 60 mg/0.6 mL
Step 1: Convert pounds to kilograms:
- 1 lb is approximately 0.4536 kg
- So, 154 lbs = 154 * 0.4536 kg/lb = 69.85 kg (approximately 70 kg)
Step 2: Calculate the total dose of enoxaparin:
- Desired dose = 0.75 mg/kg * 70 kg = 52.5 mg
Step 3: Determine the volume to administer:
- We have enoxaparin 60 mg/0.6 mL
- To find the volume for 52.5 mg:
- (52.5 mg / 60 mg) * 0.6 mL = 0.525 mL
- Rounded to the nearest tenth, this is 0.5mL.
Therefore, the nurse should administer 0.5mL of enoxaparin
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