The nurse notes these laboratory results for a client with cirrhosis: PT 20 seconds (11-12.5 sec) and serum ammonia 35 mcg/dL (15-45 mcg/dL). What action by the nurse would be a priority?
Auscultate lungs
Monitor I&O
Check stools for blood
Initiate fall precautions
The Correct Answer is C
A) While important, it is not directly related to the coagulopathy indicated by the prolonged PT.
B) Important for overall fluid management but not directly related to the risk of bleeding.
C) With a significantly prolonged PT, assessing for signs of gastrointestinal bleeding is a priority.
D) Important for safety, but the immediate risk of bleeding due to coagulopathy takes precedence.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Bradycardia is not typically associated with hepatic encephalopathy.
B) Asterixis is a characteristic finding in hepatic encephalopathy, known as "flapping tremor," indicating neuromuscular irritability due to elevated blood ammonia levels.
C) Fever is not a common direct symptom of hepatic encephalopathy.
D) Melena indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which while possible in liver disease, is not specific to hepatic encephalopathy.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Gallstones are a leading cause of acute pancreatitis as they can block the pancreatic duct.
B) While inflammation of the duodenum can cause abdominal symptoms, it does not directly lead to acute pancreatitis.
C) Diabetes results from the dysfunction of the pancreas after damage but does not cause acute pancreatitis.
D) Hepatitis C affects the liver and does not directly cause pancreatitis.
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