A registered nurse (RN) assesses a patient with cirrhosis and finds ascites with pitting edema of the feet and legs. Which factor contributes to edema and ascites in patients with cirrhosis?
Diminished serum albumin levels causes water to shift from blood to tissue.
Portal hypotension causes a fluid shift from the abdominal cavity into the portal veins.
Hypoaldosteronism causes a fluid volume deficit: shifting water from blood into tissue.
Aberrations of the portal system cause a back-up of blood that leads to hydronephrosis.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Diminished serum albumin levels cause water to shift from blood to tissue: In cirrhosis, liver dysfunction leads to decreased production of albumin, a protein that helps maintain oncotic pressure. Low albumin levels cause fluid to shift from the vascular space into the tissues, resulting in ascites and peripheral edema.
B. Portal hypotension causes a fluid shift from the abdominal cavity into the portal veins: Portal hypertension, not hypotension, is a common feature of cirrhosis, but it leads to ascites by increasing pressure in the portal venous system, not by shifting fluid into the portal veins.
C. Hypoaldosteronism causes a fluid volume deficit: shifting water from blood into tissue: Cirrhosis often leads to hyperaldosteronism, not hypoaldosteronism, resulting in sodium and water retention, which contributes to edema.
D. Aberrations of the portal system cause a back-up of blood that leads to hydronephrosis: Hydronephrosis is related to obstruction of the urinary tract, not a complication of portal hypertension or cirrhosis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The disease is prevalent in certain geographical locations: This statement is true but does not explain the etiology of MS. Geographic prevalence does not address the underlying cause.
B. There is a well-defined genetic cause: While genetics may play a role in MS, there is no single well-defined genetic cause for the disease.
C. Inflammatory processes are responsible for the signs and symptoms: MS is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination of the central nervous system, leading to the signs and symptoms of the disease.
D. Ischemic lesions in the brain are responsible for the signs and symptoms: MS is primarily caused by demyelination rather than ischemic lesions.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Steroid injections will be administered daily: This is incorrect; steroid therapy may exacerbate Cushing's disease. The condition is often due to excessive production of cortisol, not a deficiency.
B. Weight gain and edema are present: Hyperaldosteronism, often associated with Cushing's syndrome, leads to sodium and water retention, resulting in weight gain and edema.
C. Painful leg cramps are common from hyperkalemia: Hyperaldosteronism typically causes hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia, leading to muscle cramps, not leg pain from hyperkalemia.
D. Decreased amount of body hair is frequently seen: Cushing's disease often leads to hirsutism (increased body hair), not a decrease.
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