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

Liver cirrhosis

Throat lacerations

Kyphosis

Squamous cell cancer

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

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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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

A. Calcium level B. Neurologic status C. Cardiac rhythm D. Urine volume

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Monitoring calcium levels is important after administering calcium gluconate IV, but it is not the primary indicator of the medication's effectiveness in treating hyperkalemia. Calcium gluconate is used in hyperkalemia to stabilize the heart muscle, not to correct calcium levels.

Choice B rationale
Neurologic status may be affected by hyperkalemia, but changes in neurologic status are not the most direct measure of calcium gluconate's effectiveness. The medication's primary role is to address cardiac risks associated with high potassium levels.

Choice C rationale
Cardiac rhythm is the most critical aspect to monitor after administering calcium gluconate for hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, and calcium gluconate works by stabilizing the cardiac membrane, thus the effectiveness of the treatment is directly reflected in the stabilization of the cardiac rhythm.

Choice D rationale
While urine volume can indicate kidney function and might indirectly reflect changes in potassium levels, it is not the direct measure of calcium gluconate's effectiveness in the emergency treatment of hyperkalemia.

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient who has is hospitalized with hyperkalemia. Which information will the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the acute glomerulonephritis prescribed calcium gluconate IV?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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