Which rationale supports placing the bed in the reverse Trendelenburg position for a patient with critical limb ischemia?

Choice A reason: Informing the patient that the pain medication is contraindicated and offering to dim the room lights addresses the immediate concern but does not provide an effective solution for pain management. While it's important to inform the patient, alternative pain relief should be pursued.

Choice B reason: Monitoring the patient closely after administering ibuprofen for pain does not ensure patient safety, especially since ibuprofen can worsen kidney function in patients with acute renal failure. Administering ibuprofen is contraindicated in this case.

Choice C reason: Consulting the healthcare provider about ordering a different pain medication is the safest first step. This ensures that the patient receives an appropriate pain reliever that does not further compromise their renal function. The healthcare provider can prescribe a medication that is safe for patients with acute renal failure.

Choice D reason: Administering ibuprofen as ordered since it is used to treat headaches is not appropriate in this scenario. Ibuprofen is nephrotoxic and can worsen renal function in patients with acute renal failure, making it unsafe to administer.

Choice A reason: While elevated bilirubin levels can indicate liver dysfunction and lead to jaundice, they are not the primary cause of hepatic coma. Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown and its accumulation can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Choice B reason: Calcium levels, whether high or low, can affect neuromuscular function and cardiac health, but they are not directly associated with causing hepatic coma. Hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia can present with various symptoms, but not typically with hepatic coma.

Choice C reason: Elevated ammonia levels are directly associated with hepatic coma. In patients with severe liver dysfunction, the liver cannot efficiently convert ammonia (a byproduct of protein metabolism) into urea for excretion. The accumulation of ammonia in the blood can cross the blood-brain barrier and lead to encephalopathy, resulting in confusion, altered mental status, and potentially hepatic coma.

Choice D reason: Sodium levels can affect neurological function, particularly with conditions like hypernatremia or hyponatremia. However, these imbalances are not the primary cause of hepatic coma. The direct link to hepatic coma is through elevated ammonia levels.