A client was admitted to the emergency department with slurred speech and impaired motor coordination. The blood alcohol level is over 300 mg/dL. The physician orders thiamine for the client. The nurse understands that the physician ordered thiamine to:
Prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy.
Prevent alcoholic hepatitis.
Rehydrate the client.
Prevent pancreatitis.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A Reason
Thiamine, or vitamin B1, is essential for brain function and the metabolism of carbohydrates. In the context of high blood alcohol levels, thiamine is administered to prevent Wernicke's encephalopathy, a serious neurological disorder. This condition is often precipitated by a thiamine deficiency, which can be exacerbated by alcohol abuse. Alcohol consumption can impair thiamine absorption and utilization, leading to depleted stores. Wernicke's encephalopathy is characterized by symptoms such as confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia, and if left untreated, it can progress to Korsakoff syndrome, a chronic and debilitating condition.
Choice B Reason
While alcoholic hepatitis is a concern in individuals with excessive alcohol intake, thiamine is not specifically used to prevent this condition. Alcoholic hepatitis is inflammation of the liver due to alcohol abuse, and its prevention primarily involves abstinence from alcohol, nutritional support, and medical management of liver inflammation. Thiamine does not play a direct role in preventing liver inflammation but is crucial for overall nutritional replenishment in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
Choice C Reason
Rehydration is indeed important for clients with high blood alcohol levels; however, thiamine does not serve this purpose. Rehydration typically involves the administration of intravenous fluids to restore fluid balance and electrolytes. Thiamine is not a rehydrating agent but is given to prevent neurological complications associated with thiamine deficiency, which can be seen in individuals with chronic alcoholism.
Choice D Reason
Preventing pancreatitis is not the primary reason for administering thiamine in this scenario. Pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, can be associated with chronic alcohol abuse, but thiamine is not used as a preventative treatment for this condition. The management of pancreatitis involves addressing the underlying causes, supportive care, and sometimes hospitalization for more severe cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Packaged meats, including salami and bacon, are typically high in sodium, which can contribute to increased blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends that individuals with hypertension limit their sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, with an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 milligrams for most adults². Since packaged meats are often cured with salt, they can significantly contribute to the daily sodium intake, potentially exacerbating hypertension.
Choice B reason:
Grapefruit juice can interact with certain antihypertensive medications, potentially leading to higher levels of the medication in the bloodstream and an increased risk of side effects¹. This interaction occurs because grapefruit juice can inhibit the action of an enzyme that metabolizes medication, leading to an unintended increase in medication levels.
Choice C reason:
Canned soups are often high in sodium, which can contribute to increased blood pressure. Even low-sodium varieties can still contain significant amounts of sodium. It's important for individuals with hypertension to read labels carefully and choose options with the lowest sodium content possible².
Choice D reason:
Fresh fruits are generally recommended for individuals with hypertension. They are rich in potassium, which can help lower blood pressure by balancing out the negative effects of sodium and easing tension in the blood vessel walls¹. Fresh fruits should not be avoided unless there is a specific reason related to another health condition or medication interaction.
Choice E reason:
Fresh shellfish, like fresh fruits, are typically safe for individuals with hypertension to consume. They provide essential nutrients without the added sodium that is found in processed foods. However, it's important to consume them in moderation and to prepare them without adding excessive salt or high-sodium sauces.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason
While hypertension can contribute to the development of PAD, it does not directly cause fats to deposit in the arteries. Hypertension can damage the arterial walls, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis, but it is not the primary mechanism of PAD development.
Choice B Reason
Excess fats in the diet can contribute to atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of plaques in the arterial walls. However, the fats do not simply get stored; they combine with other substances, including calcium and inflammatory cells, to form plaques that can restrict blood flow.
Choice C Reason
This statement is the most accurate. PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaques formed by fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood. These plaques can harden and narrow the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. The process can be exacerbated by factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Arterial spasms can occur, but they are not the typical cause of chronic PAD. Spasms are more often associated with conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon or can be a response to stress or cold temperatures. PAD is usually a result of progressive atherosclerosis rather than intermittent spasms.

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