The nurse is reviewing laboratory test results for the client with liver disease and notes that the client's albumin level is low. Which nursing assessment indicates low albumin levels?
Evaluate for asterixis
Palpate for peripheral edema
Evaluate for decreased level of consciousness
Inspect for petechiae
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Asterixis, also known as “liver flap,” is a type of tremor characterized by rapid, nonrhythmic extensions and flexions in the wrist and fingers. It is associated with hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that can occur with severe liver disease, but it is not a direct indicator of low albumin levels.
Choice B reason: Peripheral edema is a common clinical finding in patients with hypoalbuminemia, which is a low level of albumin in the blood. When albumin levels are low, fluid from the bloodstream can leak into body tissues, causing swelling, especially in the lower limbs. When assessing a client with liver disease and low albumin levels, palpating for peripheral edema would be the most relevant nursing assessment, as it directly correlates with the effects of hypoalbuminemia on fluid balance in the body. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps keep fluid in your blood vessels and plays a role in transporting substances throughout your body. Low levels of albumin can lead to fluid leaking out of blood vessels into tissues, causing swelling or edema.
Choice C reason: Decreased level of consciousness can be a sign of various conditions, including hepatic encephalopathy or other complications of liver disease, but it is not specifically indicative of low albumin levels.
Choice D reason: Petechiae are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin and may be associated with various conditions, including liver disease, but they are not a specific sign of low albumin levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A BUN level of 8 mg/dL and creatinine level of 0.7 mg/dL are within normal ranges and would not be expected in a client with CKD².
Choice B reason: Elevated BUN and creatinine levels, such as 45 mg/dL and 8 mg/dL respectively, are indicative of impaired kidney function, which is consistent with CKD².
Choice C reason: A BUN level of 10 mg/dL and creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL are lower than the expected values for a client with CKD, indicating better kidney function than typically seen in CKD².
Choice D reason: A BUN level of 23 mg/dL and creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL may be slightly elevated but are not as indicative of CKD as the values in choice B².
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