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
Maintaining systolic BP between 136 and 140 mm Hg is not recommended for clients who have hypertension and have experienced a TIA789. Studies have shown that maintaining a lower systolic BP can help reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.
Choice B rationale
The client should aim to maintain systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg. This range is associated with a reduced risk of recurrent stroke. Lifestyle modifications and antihypertensive therapy can help achieve this target.
Choice C rationale

Maintaining systolic BP between 141 and 145 mm Hg is not recommended for clients who have hypertension and have experienced a TIA789. This range is higher than the recommended target and may increase the risk of recurrent stroke.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining systolic BP between 130 and 135 mm Hg is not the recommended target for clients who have hypertension and have experienced a TIA789. The recommended target is lower to help reduce the risk of recurrent stroke.

A. This is likely related to new-onset dementia. B. This is likely related to new-onset schizophrenia. C. This is likely related to new-onset hepatic encephalopathy. D. This is likely related to a new-onset UTI.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice C rationale
Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that can cause confusion or delirium in patients with end-stage liver disease and increasing ascites. It occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, such as ammonia, which can then accumulate in the brain and affect mental function. This condition is common in patients with cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease, and can manifest as confusion, changes in sleep patterns, mood alterations, and, in severe cases, coma.
Choice A rationale
While dementia can cause confusion and changes in mental status, it is typically a progressive condition that develops over time. In the context of a patient with end-stage liver failure and

increasing ascites who is usually lucid, a sudden onset of confusion or delirium is more likely to be due to a condition related to their liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B rationale
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. It is not typically associated with end-stage liver disease or ascites. In the context of a patient with end-stage liver failure and increasing ascites who is usually lucid, a sudden onset of confusion or delirium is more likely to be due to a condition related to their liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D rationale
While a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause confusion, especially in older adults, it would not typically be the primary suspect in a patient with end-stage liver failure and increasing ascites. In such a patient, hepatic encephalopathy is a more likely cause of confusion or delirium.

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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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Explanation

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