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 A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the correct answer because right-sided homonymous hemianopsia means that the client has lost vision in the right half of both eyes, so placing food trays on the left side of the client will help them see and access their food better.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because placing food trays on the right side of the client will make it harder for them to see and reach their food, as they have no vision on that side.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because performing a focused visual exam is not an appropriate action for the nurse to take during meal time. The nurse should assess the client's vision before or after meals, but not interfere with their eating.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect because having the assistive personnel feed all meals to the client will decrease their independence and dignity, as well as their ability to practice using their unaffected side. The nurse should encourage and assist the client to feed themselves as much as possible, and only provide assistance when needed.

A. Report itching if it becomes bothersome B. Use earplugs when swimming C. Insert a cotton-tip applicator to remove excess wax D. Use a hairdryer set to low, 6 inches away from ear

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason: Reporting itching if it becomes bothersome is part of client teaching, as it may indicate inflammation or infection of the ear canal. External otitis is also known as swimmer's ear, as it can be caused by water trapped in the ear after swimming or bathing.

Choice B Reason: Using earplugs when swimming is part of client teaching, as it can prevent water from entering and irritating the ear canal. External otitis can be prevented by keeping the ear dry and avoiding trauma or foreign objects.

Choice C Reason: This is the correct choice. Inserting a cotton-tip applicator to remove excess wax is not part of client teaching, as it can damage or scratch the ear canal and increase the risk of infection. Wax helps protect and lubricate the ear canal and should not be removed unless it causes hearing impairment or discomfort.

Choice D Reason: Using a hairdryer set to low, 6 inches away from ear is part of client teaching, as it can help dry the ear canal after swimming or bathing. External otitis can be treated by applying warm compresses, using topical antibiotics or antifungals, and taking pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.

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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 who recently suffered a stroke suffers from right-sided homonymous hemianopsia. What is the best action for the nurse to take when caring for the client during mealtime?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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