A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of lactulose to a client who has cirrhosis. The client states, "I don't need this medication. I am not constipated." The nurse should explain that in clients who have cirrhosis, lactulose is used to decrease levels of which of the following components in the bloodstream?

Potassium

Ammonia

Bicarbonate

Glucose

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
Potassium levels are not directly affected by lactulose. While cirrhosis can lead to imbalances in electrolytes, including potassium, lactulose is not used to manage potassium levels in the bloodstream.

Choice B rationale
Ammonia is produced by the breakdown of proteins in the intestines and is normally processed by the liver. In cirrhosis, the liver's ability to convert ammonia to urea is impaired, leading to increased levels in the blood. Lactulose helps reduce blood ammonia levels by converting it into ammonium, which is then excreted.

Choice C rationale
Bicarbonate levels are related to the body's pH balance and are not the target of lactulose treatment. Cirrhosis does not typically result in bicarbonate imbalances that would be treated with lactulose.

Choice D rationale
Glucose levels are managed by insulin and other metabolic processes, not lactulose. While cirrhosis can affect overall metabolism, lactulose does not have a direct effect on blood glucose levels.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A high calcium diet and hypercalcemia are not directly associated with pyelonephritis. While dietary habits and blood calcium levels can impact overall health, they do not typically contribute to the development of pyelonephritis.

Choice B rationale
Long-term use of ibuprofen can lead to kidney damage, which may increase the risk of pyelonephritis, especially if there is pre-existing kidney impairment. However, it is not as directly related to pyelonephritis as a history of UTIs.

Choice C rationale
A history of UTIs is relevant to pyelonephritis, as the infection can ascend from the lower urinary tract to the kidneys. Recurrent UTIs are a risk factor for pyelonephritis, making this the most likely report from the client.

Choice D rationale
Genetic diseases can have various impacts on health, but there is no common genetic disease that directly causes pyelonephritis. This choice is less likely to be relevant to the client's current condition.

A. Liver cirrhosis B. Throat lacerations C. Kyphosis D. Squamous cell cancer

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause of esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Cirrhosis leads to scarring of the liver, which impedes blood flow through the portal vein, causing increased pressure (portal hypertension) and the development of collateral blood vessels (varices) as the body attempts to bypass the blockage.

Choice B rationale
Throat lacerations are not related to the development of esophageal varices or portal hypertension. They are typically acute injuries and do not cause the chronic changes seen in the vasculature associated with these conditions.

Choice C rationale
Kyphosis, a curvature of the spine, does not cause esophageal varices or portal hypertension. It is a structural skeletal condition and does not affect the vasculature of the esophagus or the portal venous system.

Choice D rationale
While squamous cell cancer can occur in the esophagus, it is not a typical cause of portal hypertension or esophageal varices. These varices are usually a result of increased pressure in the portal vein, not directly from a malignancy.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is gathering medical history from a client admitted for pyelonephritis. Which of the following should the nurse expect the client to report when asked about their medical history?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient is admitted with esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Which underlying cause of these conditions would the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A 72-year-old patient was admitted with epigastric pain caused by a peptic ulcer. Which patient assessment warrants an urgent change in the nursing plan of care?

Which of the following are causes of intrarenal acute kidney injury? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is giving a presentation about preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following should the nurse include as risk factors for this disorder? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has stable angina and a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

Which finding for a patient with pancreatitis is termed Grey Turner's sign?

A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who has a new ileal conduit. Which of the following should the nurse include as risks for the client? (Select all that apply.)

A 55-year-old patient with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is scheduled to receive a prescribed dose of epoetin alfa (Procrit). Which statement should the nurse include in her teaching about this medication?

In an effort to decrease the rate of urinary tract infections, which of the following should the nurse manager teach the nursing staff? (Select all that apply)