The nurse should evaluate results of which laboratory tests while caring for a client who has cirrhosis of the liver? Select all that apply.
Prothrombin time (PT)
Serum albumin
Serum ammonia
Troponin
Serum lipase
Correct Answer : A,B,C
A) PT is prolonged in cirrhosis due to impaired synthesis of clotting factors by the liver, making it important to monitor for bleeding risk.
B) Serum albumin levels decrease in cirrhosis due to impaired liver function, reflecting the client's nutritional status and liver synthetic function.
C) Elevated serum ammonia levels can indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a complication of cirrhosis characterized by altered mental status.
D) Troponin is not typically evaluated in cirrhosis assessment; it is a cardiac marker used to assess for myocardial infarction.
E) Serum lipase is not typically evaluated in cirrhosis assessment; it is a pancreatic enzyme used to diagnose pancreatitis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Elevated serum ammonia levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which affects mental status and consciousness, making this the priority assessment.
B) The PT is slightly prolonged but not alarmingly high; bleeding is less of a concern compared to the elevated ammonia.
C) This action is important in assessing fluid accumulation but is not as critical as assessing mental status in this scenario.
D) While part of a comprehensive abdominal assessment, this is not the most critical action given the elevated ammonia level.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Weight loss is a common symptom of chronic pancreatitis due to malabsorption and decreased appetite.
B) Cool, clammy skin is not typically associated with chronic pancreatitis; it may indicate other conditions such as shock or hypotension.
C) Bruising on the flank is not a typical finding in chronic pancreatitis; it may suggest trauma or other underlying conditions.
D) Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, is more commonly associated with advanced liver disease rather than chronic pancreatitis.
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