Which of the following laboratory findings is most indicative of fluid volume excess in a client with liver cirrhosis?
Increased AST levels
Decreased albumin levels
High prothrombin time
Elevated serum bilirubin
The Correct Answer is B
Rationale:
A. Elevated AST indicates hepatocellular injury, but it does not directly reflect fluid volume status.
B. In liver cirrhosis, the liver produces less albumin, leading to reduced plasma oncotic pressure. Low albumin allows fluid to leak into interstitial spaces, causing ascites, edema, and overall fluid volume excess.
C. Prolonged PT reflects impaired clotting factor synthesis in cirrhosis, not fluid status.
D. High bilirubin indicates impaired bile excretion and liver dysfunction, but it is not a direct marker of fluid overload.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Decompensated cirrhosis impairs the liver’s ability to process bilirubin, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
B. Accumulation of ammonia and other toxins due to liver dysfunction can cause confusion, altered level of consciousness, and asterixis.
C. Fluid shifts into the peritoneal cavity occur due to low albumin levels and portal hypertension, causing abdominal distention.
D. While beneficial for overall health, exercise is not a clinical manifestation of cirrhosis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Right upper quadrant contains the liver and gallbladder; pain here is more typical of hepatobiliary disorders, not appendicitis.
B. Right lower quadrant is the correct location of McBurney’s point, found one-third of the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. Tenderness here is a classic sign of appendicitis.
C. Left lower quadrant pain is commonly associated with conditions like diverticulitis, not appendicitis.
D. Left upper quadrant contains the stomach, spleen, and pancreas tail; pain here suggests disorders of those organs, not appendicitis.
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