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 D

Explanation

For a patient with hypoglycemia who has experienced a suspected seizure, the immediate intervention would be to administer IV 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% glucose (dextrose). This helps to quickly raise the patient’s blood glucose levels and manage the seizure.

A. The patient who has left-sided heart failure and has a brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 600 pg/mL. B. The patient who has been NPO since midnight for endoscopy. C. The patient who has gastroenteritis and is febrile. D. The patient who has end-stage renal failure and is scheduled for dialysis today.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While heart failure can lead to fluid volume imbalances, a BNP level of 600 pg/mL alone does not indicate a risk for fluid volume deficit.
Choice B rationale

Being NPO since midnight for an endoscopy could potentially lead to fluid volume deficit, but it’s not the most likely choice. Typically, patients are adequately hydrated before and after the procedure.
Choice C rationale
A patient with gastroenteritis and a fever is at high risk for fluid volume deficit. Gastroenteritis can cause significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, and fever increases insensible water loss.
Choice D rationale
While patients with end-stage renal failure can have fluid volume imbalances, they are more likely to experience fluid volume excess, especially if they are due for dialysis.

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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

For the patient with hypoglycemia who has experienced a suspected seizure, which intervention would the nurse implement immediately?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for four hospitalized patients. Which of the following patients should the nurse identify as being at risk for fluid volume deficit?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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