The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and notes that there is documentation of the presence of asterixis. How should the nurse assess for its presence?

Measure the abdominal girth

Have the client extend their arms

Have the client flex and extend their foot

Ask the client to walk heel to toe

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A Reason: Measuring the abdominal girth is not related to asterixis, which is a tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended. It may indicate ascites, which is a complication of cirrhosis, but not asterixis.

Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Asterixis is a flapping tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended, sometimes said to resemble a bird flapping its wings. It is caused by abnormal function of the diencephalic motor centers that regulate the muscles involved in maintaining posture. It is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs in patients with liver disease.

Choice C Reason: Having the client flex and extend their foot is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for ankle clonus, which is a rhythmic contraction of the calf muscles when the foot is dorsiflexed. It indicates an upper motor neuron lesion, but not hepatic encephalopathy.

Choice D Reason: Asking the client to walk heel to toe is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for balance and coordination, which can be impaired in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, but it is not a specific sign of asterixis.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because phototherapy is not a recommended therapy for contact dermatitis. Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to artificial light sources that emit specific wavelengths of light that can have anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory effects. Phototherapy can be used for some skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, but not for contact dermatitis.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because antibiotics are not a recommended therapy for contact dermatitis. Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit bacteria that cause infections. Contact dermatitis is not an infection, but an allergic or irritant reaction to a substance that comes in contact with the skin. Antibiotics have no effect on contact dermatitis and may cause adverse effects or resistance.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because UV light is not a recommended therapy for contact dermatitis. UV light refers to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or artificial sources that can damage DNA and cause skin cancer or aging. UV light can also worsen contact dermatitis by increasing inflammation and sensitivity to allergens or irritants.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because avoidance is the best therapy for contact dermatitis. Avoidance means identifying and avoiding the substance that causes the skin reaction. This can prevent further exposure and allow the skin to heal. The nurse can help the client by providing education on how to read labels, use protective clothing or gloves, or substitute safer products.

A. "Your allergies have most likely contributed to this." B. "Your history of gastroesophageal reflux disorder is the most likely cause." C. "Being a vegetarian has caused an imbalance in stomach acid." D. "This is a genetic condition that you were born with."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because allergies are not a risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus. Allergies are hypersensitive reactions of the immune system to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, or food. They can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or hives, but they do not affect the esophagus or stomach acid.

Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is the most common risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus. GERD is a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This can cause inflammation, irritation, and damage to the esophageal lining. Over time, this can lead to changes in the cells of the esophagus, which is called Barrett's esophagus.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because being a vegetarian is not a risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus. Being a vegetarian means avoiding meat and animal products in the diet. This can have health benefits such as lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, but it does not affect the esophagus or stomach acid.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because Barrett's esophagus is not a genetic condition that one is born with. Barrett's esophagus is an acquired condition that results from chronic exposure to stomach acid in the esophagus. It is not inherited from one's parents or passed on to one's children.

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The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and notes that there is documentation of the presence of asterixis. How should the nurse assess for its presence?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with contact dermatitis is receiving education from the nurse. Which of the following therapies will the nurse recommend to the client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus asks how he developed this. Which of the following responses by the nurse is most accurate?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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