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.
Nursing Test Bank
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, typically presents with weight gain rather than weight loss.
B) Ascites often accompanies peripheral edema, particularly in the lower extremities.
C) Ascites is not typically associated with flushed skin; rather, it may lead to pallor due to anemia or jaundice due to liver dysfunction.
D) Ascites is not directly associated with vomiting blood; hematemesis may indicate complications such as esophageal varices, which can occur in advanced liver disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Requesting a dietary consult is useful but not the most immediate action needed.
B) Ordering a 2 gram sodium restriction diet is important but not addressing the immediate issue of electrolyte imbalance.
C) Fluid restriction may be considered but not before addressing the electrolyte issues.
D) Holding the spironolactone and furosemide is the correct action, as administering these could exacerbate the existing hypokalemia and hyponatremia, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
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