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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Offering the client oral fluids is important for hydration, but it is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter. The UAP can offer fluids to the client, but this action is not specifically tied to the turning of the client or the care of the urinary catheter.
Choice B rationale
Feeding the client a snack is a task that the UAP may perform, but it is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter. The UAP can provide a snack to the client, but this action is not specifically tied to the turning of the client or the care of the urinary catheter.
Choice C rationale
Assessing breath sounds is within the scope of practice for a nurse, not a UAP. While it’s important to monitor a client’s respiratory status, this action is not directly related to the care of an indwelling urinary catheter.
Choice D rationale
Emptying the urinary drainage bag is an appropriate action for the UAP to take each time the client is turned. This action helps to prevent infection, maintain accurate intake and output records, and ensure the comfort and dignity of the client.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is important in assessing overall physical health and detecting any potential neuromuscular disorders. However, in the context of a client with a history of heart failure and elevated potassium levels, this would not be the most critical intervention. High potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, which can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide valuable information about the client’s hydration status and kidney function. In the case of heart failure, monitoring urine output can help assess the effectiveness of diuretic therapy and the progression of the disease. However, it is not the most immediate concern given the client’s high potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention in this scenario. A serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is higher than the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and can cause life-threatening heart rhythm abnormalities. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client’s heart rhythm to detect any abnormalities caused by this electrolyte imbalance.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can help identify changes in neuromuscular function and is often used in neurological assessments. However, it is not the most critical intervention in the context of elevated potassium levels and heart failure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.