The nurse is caring for a client with advanced cirrhosis. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse recognize as a serious complication of this condition?
Frequent nosebleeds and bruising
Urinary retention
No bowel movement in three days
Increased blood glucose
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Frequent nosebleeds and bruising are indicative of coagulopathy, a common complication in advanced cirrhosis due to the liver's impaired ability to synthesize clotting factors. This can lead to an increased tendency to bleed.
Choice B reason: Urinary retention is not typically associated with cirrhosis. Instead, cirrhosis can lead to renal dysfunction known as hepatorenal syndrome, characterized by the failure of the kidneys to filter waste from the blood².
Choice C reason: While constipation can occur in cirrhosis, no bowel movement in three days is not a direct complication of cirrhosis. However, it could be related to the overall health status of the patient or medications used.
Choice D reason: Increased blood glucose is not a direct complication of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis primarily affects the metabolism of proteins and fats and does not directly cause hyperglycemia unless there is concurrent diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Title: Choice A reason: Beta-blocking agent Beta-blocking agents are often used in the management of cirrhosis of the liver. They are particularly useful in managing portal hypertension, a common complication of cirrhosis. Beta-blockers lower elevated portal pressure and protect against variceal hemorrhage, a serious complication of portal hypertension. Therefore, a beta-blocking agent may be ordered for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.
Title: Choice B reason: Diuretic Diuretics are commonly used in the management of fluid retention, a frequent complication in patients with cirrhosis. Fluid retention can lead to conditions such as ascites (abdominal fluid accumulation) and edema (swelling in the legs, feet, or ankles)2. Diuretics help to remove excess fluid from the body, thereby managing these symptoms. Therefore, a diuretic may be ordered for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.
Title: Choice C reason: Opioid analgesic While opioid analgesics are powerful pain relievers, they should be used with caution in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Opioids can precipitate hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by altered mental status and neuromuscular dysfunction, which is a serious complication of cirrhosis. Therefore, an opioid analgesic may not be the best choice for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.
Title: Choice D reason: Lactulose Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar that is widely used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, a common complication in patients with cirrhosis. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, thereby lowering blood ammonia levels and improving symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, lactulose may be ordered for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.
Title: Choice E reason: Sedative Sedatives should be used with caution in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Like opioids, they can precipitate hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, a sedative may not be the best choice for a client with cirrhosis of the liver.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:Rescheduling the scan is not necessary unless there are other contraindications or scheduling conflicts.
Choice B reason:Sending a suction catheter is a precautionary measure, but it does not address the management of the feeding tube during the scan.
Choice C reason:Shutting off the feeding 30-60 minutes before the scan is a standard practice to reduce the risk of aspiration and to ensure that the stomach contents do not interfere with the imaging.
Choice D reason:Connecting the feeding tube to continuous suction is not typically required unless there is a specific concern for aspiration or gastric content management during the scan.
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