A client with liver cirrhosis is prescribed spironolactone to manage fluid retention. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor closely while the client is on this medication?

Serum potassium levels

Blood glucose levels

White blood cell count

Serum calcium levels

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic commonly used to manage fluid retention in liver cirrhosis. The nurse should monitor the client's serum potassium levels regularly as this medication can cause hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels). It is important to assess potassium levels to avoid complications associated with imbalances in potassium levels.

B) Monitoring blood glucose levels is not specifically related to the use of spironolactone in liver cirrhosis. Spironolactone does not have a significant effect on blood glucose levels.

C) Monitoring the white blood cell count is not directly related to the use of spironolactone. White blood cell count is typically monitored to assess for signs of infection or immune system response.

D) Monitoring serum calcium levels is not directly related to the use of spironolactone in liver cirrhosis. Spironolactone does not significantly impact calcium levels in the blood.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron absorption from the diet, leading to the accumulation of iron in various organs, including the liver. In individuals with hemochromatosis, the excess iron can cause liver cell injury and lead to cirrhosis over time.

B) Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that causes impaired copper metabolism, leading to copper accumulation in the liver and other organs. While it can lead to liver damage, it is not associated with elevated iron levels.

C) Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and liver. It can lead to liver disease, but it does not cause elevated iron levels.

D) Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune liver disease that primarily affects the small bile ducts within the liver. While it can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis, it is not associated with elevated iron levels.

A. To assess the severity of esophageal varices. B. To evaluate liver function and enzyme levels. C. To measure liver stiffness and assess fibrosis. D. To identify hepatic encephalopathy.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Transient elastography is not used to assess esophageal varices. Endoscopy is the primary method for diagnosing and grading the severity of esophageal varices in clients with liver cirrhosis.

B) Transient elastography is primarily used to assess the degree of liver fibrosis, not to evaluate liver function or enzyme levels. Liver function and enzyme levels are typically evaluated through blood tests, such as liver function tests (LFTs), which measure liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin, and other markers of liver health and function.

C) Transient elastography is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess liver stiffness, which correlates with the degree of fibrosis in the liver. It provides information about the presence and severity of liver fibrosis, aiding in the diagnosis and staging of liver cirrhosis.

D) Transient elastography is not used to identify hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric complication of advanced liver disease, and its diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, mental status evaluation, and laboratory tests. Transient elastography is not involved in identifying or diagnosing hepatic encephalopathy.

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A client with liver cirrhosis is prescribed spironolactone to manage fluid retention. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor closely while the client is on this medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with liver cirrhosis is found to have elevated iron levels in their blood. Which genetic disorder should the nurse suspect as a possible cause of these findings?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with liver cirrhosis has been referred for transient elastography. What is the primary purpose of this diagnostic test?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with suspected liver cirrhosis undergoes a liver biopsy. Which nursing action is essential following the procedure?

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A client with liver cirrhosis presents with severe ascites. Which procedure should the nurse anticipate being performed to drain the accumulated fluid from the peritoneal cavity?

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A client with liver cirrhosis is admitted to the hospital with hepatic encephalopathy. Which nursing intervention is essential in the care of this client?

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