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 B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Fever is not a typical symptom of osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes pain and stiffness, but it does not typically cause systemic symptoms like fever.
Choice B rationale
This is the correct answer. Crepitus, which is a grating or crackling sound or sensation, can be a symptom of osteoarthritis of the knee. It is caused by the rubbing of bone on bone due to the loss of protective cartilage in the joint.
Choice C rationale
Malaise, or a general feeling of discomfort or illness, is not a specific symptom of osteoarthritis of the knee. While osteoarthritis can cause discomfort and limit activity, it does not typically cause generalized malaise.
Choice D rationale
Weakness can occur in the muscles around an affected joint due to lack of use or muscle atrophy, but it is not a primary symptom of osteoarthritis of the knee

A. Fatigue B. Bradycardia C. Hypertension D. Diarrhea

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.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is performing an assessment on a patient who has osteoarthritis of the knee. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a postoperative client who has anemia due to excessive blood loss during surgery. What findings should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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