A patient is scheduled for a liver biopsy.
Which laboratory result would be of most concern to the nurse?

Serum ammonia level of 56 mcg N/dL

Hemoglobin of 11 g/dL

White blood cell count of 14.2 x 103/uL

Prothrombin time of 32 seconds

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale

While an elevated serum ammonia level can indicate liver dysfunction, it is not typically a contraindication for liver biopsy. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism and is normally converted into urea by the liver, which is then excreted in the urine. Elevated levels can occur in liver disease, but they are not typically a direct concern in the context of a liver biopsy.
Choice B rationale
A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is slightly low, but it is not typically a contraindication for a liver biopsy. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While a low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, it would not typically prevent a patient from undergoing a liver biopsy.
Choice C rationale
A white blood cell count of 14.2 x 103/uL is slightly elevated, indicating a possible infection or inflammation. However, this would not typically be a contraindication for a liver biopsy.
Choice D rationale
A prothrombin time of 32 seconds is significantly prolonged, indicating a potential problem with blood clotting. This would be a major concern for a nurse caring for a patient scheduled for a liver biopsy, as the procedure involves inserting a needle into the liver and could lead to bleeding. Patients with a prolonged prothrombin time are at an increased risk of bleeding complications.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Anemia due to excessive blood loss during surgery can lead to a variety of symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is fatigue. This is because anemia results in a decrease in the amount of oxygen that can be delivered to the body’s tissues, leading to a lack of energy and feelings of exhaustion. Therefore, a nurse should expect to find fatigue in a postoperative client who has anemia due to excessive blood loss during surgery.
Choice B rationale
Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically associated with anemia. Instead, anemia can actually lead to tachycardia, or a faster than normal heart rate, as the body tries to compensate for the decreased oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
Choice C rationale
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is not a typical finding in patients with anemia. In fact, in severe cases, anemia can lead to hypotension, or low blood pressure, due to a decrease in the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
Choice D rationale
Diarrhea is not a common symptom of anemia. Anemia due to excessive blood loss during surgery is more likely to result in symptoms related to a lack of oxygen in the body’s tissues, such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.

A. I will limit my fluid intake to 1 liter per day. B. I will take one aspirin every day. C. I will strictly adhere to a high-purine diet. D. I will restrict my alcohol consumption.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day is not recommended for patients who have experienced an acute gout attack. Adequate hydration is important for all individuals, especially those with gout, as it can help to prevent the formation of uric acid crystals.
Choice B rationale
Taking one aspirin every day is not typically recommended for gout patients. Aspirin can actually increase uric acid levels in the blood and potentially trigger a gout attack.
Choice C rationale
Adhering to a high-purine diet is not recommended for gout patients. Foods high in purines can increase uric acid levels in the blood, potentially triggering a gout attack.

Choice D rationale
Restricting alcohol consumption is a key part of managing gout. Alcohol, especially beer, can increase uric acid levels in the blood and trigger gout attacks.

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A patient is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which laboratory result would be of most concern to the nurse?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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A patient is scheduled for a liver biopsy.
Which laboratory result would be of most concern to the nurse?