The nurse is caring for a client with decompensated liver disease who is experiencing fever, chills, and abdominal tenderness.
Following a paracentesis, the nurse receives laboratory results of the ascitic fluid that show the polymorphonuclear leukocyte count is 425/mm (0.42 x 10/L). After notifying the healthcare provider, what action should the nurse take next?
Review serum protein levels
Begin abdominal girth measurements
Initiate antibiotic therapy
Assess neurological status
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Reviewing serum protein levels can provide valuable information about a client’s nutritional status and liver function. However, in the context of a client with decompensated liver disease who is experiencing fever, chills, and abdominal tenderness, and has a high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in ascitic fluid, initiating antibiotic therapy is the priority.
Choice B rationale
Beginning abdominal girth measurements can be useful for monitoring the progression of ascites in a client with liver disease. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.
Choice C rationale
Initiating antibiotic therapy is the correct intervention in this case. The client’s symptoms and the high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in the ascitic fluid suggest spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a serious complication of cirrhosis that requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
Choice D rationale
Assessing neurological status is important in clients with liver disease, as they are at risk for hepatic encephalopathy. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Orange juice is a clear liquid and is allowed in the Mormon faith.
Choice B rationale
Hot chocolate is not a clear liquid and is not typically consumed by individuals who follow Mormon beliefs due to its caffeine content.
Choice C rationale
Apple juice is a clear liquid and is allowed in the Mormon faith.
Choice D rationale
Chicken broth is a clear liquid and is allowed in the Mormon faith.
Choice E rationale
Black coffee is not a clear liquid and is not typically consumed by individuals who follow Mormon beliefs due to its caffeine content.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a high-calorie, high-protein diet can be beneficial for patients recovering from surgery or illness, it is not the immediate next step after collecting bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity and applying a cast to a patient’s lower leg. The priority is to address the infection identified through the bone aspirate specimens.
Choice B rationale
Beginning parenteral antibiotic therapy is the appropriate next step after collecting bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity in a patient with osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an infection in the bone, and antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment. Therefore, this choice is the correct answer.
Choice C rationale
Administering antiemetic agents would be appropriate if the patient were experiencing nausea or vomiting. However, there is no indication in the question that the patient is experiencing these symptoms. Therefore, this choice is not the correct answer.
Choice D rationale
Bivalving the cast for distal compromise would be appropriate if there were signs of compromised circulation or nerve function below the level of the cast. However, there is no indication in the question that the patient is experiencing these issues. Therefore, this choice is not the correct answer.
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