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
Explanation
Choice a reason:
Including yogurt in the diet can be beneficial for a client experiencing diarrhea related to antibiotic therapy. Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. These probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut that antibiotics may have disrupted, potentially reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea. However, it's important to choose yogurts that contain active probiotics and to be aware that some individuals may not tolerate dairy well during a bout of diarrhea.
Choice b reason:
Administering famotidine 20 mg daily may help with symptoms of gastritis or peptic ulcers but is not directly related to treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid and is not typically used as a treatment for diarrhea. It should be noted that if a patient is experiencing severe diarrhea, the underlying cause should be addressed rather than just managing symptoms.
Choice c reason:
Testing stool for occult blood is generally not a standard intervention for antibiotic-related diarrhea unless there is a suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding or an infection like C. difficile, which can cause more severe colitis. Occult blood tests are more commonly used for screening for colorectal cancer or diagnosing conditions that cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice d reason:
Arranging for IV administration of the antibiotic instead of the oral route may be considered if the client has severe diarrhea that prevents the absorption of oral medications or if the client is unable to tolerate oral intake[^10^]¹¹¹²¹³¹⁴. However, many antibiotics have excellent oral bioavailability, and switching from IV to oral antibiotics when appropriate can be just as effective and is often preferred due to convenience and lower risk of complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sodium levels in the blood should normally be between 135 and 145 mEq/L. A level of 152 mEq/L is considered high and can be indicative of hypernatremia, which requires prompt medical attention to address potential dehydration, kidney issues, or other underlying conditions.
Choice B Reason:
Potassium levels should be within the range of 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L for adults. A result of 3.8 mEq/L falls within the normal range, indicating no immediate concern regarding potassium levels.
Choice C Reason:
Calcium levels in the blood are typically between 8.6 and 10.2 mg/dL for adults. Therefore, a calcium level of 10.0 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not require urgent reporting to a physician.
Choice D Reason:
Creatinine levels in the blood should be between 0.6 to 1.3 mg/dL in adults, depending on factors such as age, gender, and muscle mass. A level of 1.2 mg/dL is at the higher end of the normal range but is not typically considered critical unless there are other signs of kidney dysfunction.
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