The nurse assesses a client with cirrhosis and finds 4+ pitting edema of the feet and legs, and massive ascites. Which mechanism contributes to edema and ascites in clients with cirrhosis?

Hyperaldosteronism causing an increased sodium reabsorption in renal tubules.

Decreased renin-angiotensin response related to an increase in renal blood flow.

Decreased portacaval pressure with greater collateral circulation.

Hypoalbuminemia that results in a decreased colloidal oncotic pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Hyperaldosteronism causing an increased sodium reabsorption in renal tubules.
Hyperaldosteronism is characterized by an excess of aldosterone, a hormone that regulates sodium and water balance. In cirrhosis, however, sodium retention is often related to other mechanisms such as portal hypertension and hypoalbuminemia, rather than hyperaldosteronism.

B. Decreased renin-angiotensin response related to an increase in renal blood flow.
Cirrhosis is more commonly associated with an activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, leading to increased sodium and water retention. The increased renin-angiotensin response is a compensatory mechanism to maintain perfusion in the setting of cirrhosis and does not contribute to decreased renal blood flow.

C. Decreased portacaval pressure with greater collateral circulation.
This statement is not accurate. In cirrhosis, there is typically increased portacaval pressure due to portal hypertension, which can lead to the development of collateral circulation. However, this does not explain the edema and ascites seen in cirrhosis.

D. Hypoalbuminemia that results in a decreased colloidal oncotic pressure.
This is the correct choice. In cirrhosis, liver damage leads to decreased synthesis of albumin. Albumin plays a crucial role in maintaining colloidal oncotic pressure, and when it is decreased (hypoalbuminemia), fluid is more likely to leak out of blood vessels, resulting in edema. The same mechanism contributes to the development of ascites in the abdominal cavity.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Platelet count 40,000 x10/μL (40.000 x109/L):
This is the correct answer. A platelet count of 40,000 x10/μL is significantly below the normal range (usually around 150,000 to 450,000/μL). Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can increase the risk of bleeding during and after a surgical procedure. The healthcare provider should be alerted to assess the risk and determine the appropriate management.

B. White blood cells 9,000/μL (9x109/L):
The white blood cell count is within the normal range, and it is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.

C. Hematocrit 38% (0.38):
The hematocrit level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.

D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L):
The hemoglobin level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.

A. Move the client to a private room, keep the door closed, and initiate droplet precautions B. Start an intravenous infusion for antiviral drug to be administered for positive COVID-19 test results. C. Counsel family members to monitor for illness symptoms for 2 weeks after last contact with patient. D. Assist the client to recall everyone possibly exposed since onset of symptoms.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Move the client to a private room, keep the door closed, and initiate droplet precautions:
This is the correct answer. Given the client's symptoms and potential exposure to COVID-19, it is important to take infection control measures. Placing the client in a private room, keeping the door closed, and initiating droplet precautions help prevent the potential spread of the virus.

B. Start an intravenous infusion for antiviral drug to be administered for positive COVID-19 test results:
Antiviral medications are typically prescribed based on confirmed COVID-19 test results and the severity of symptoms. Starting an intravenous infusion at this stage, before test results are available, is premature and not indicated.

C. Counsel family members to monitor for illness symptoms for 2 weeks after last contact with the patient:
While it is important for family members to monitor for symptoms, the immediate concern is the isolation and testing of the symptomatic client. Contact tracing may follow, but infection control measures for the client are the priority.

D. Assist the client to recall everyone possibly exposed since onset of symptoms:
While contact tracing is important, the immediate action is to isolate the client and initiate precautions. Contact tracing can be done as part of a broader public health response but is not the initial step.

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The nurse assesses a client with cirrhosis and finds 4+ pitting edema of the feet and legs, and massive ascites. Which mechanism contributes to edema and ascites in clients with cirrhosis?

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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