A client with liver disease presents with the following laboratory results: serum albumin 4.6 g/dL (normal range: 3.5-5.5 g/dL), serum ammonia 62 mcg/dL (normal range: 15-45 mcg/dL), hematocrit 41% (normal range: 37-47%), PT 13 seconds (normal range: 11-12.5 sec). Which assessment findings are consistent with these values?
Petechiae and bruising
Jaundice and pruritus
Dyspnea and fatigue
Asterixis and confusion
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Petechiae and bruising could be related to low platelet counts or clotting issues, but they are not directly indicated by the provided lab values.
Choice B reason: Jaundice and pruritus are symptoms associated with liver disease but are not specifically indicated by the lab values provided.
Choice C reason: Dyspnea and fatigue could be symptoms of many conditions, including liver disease, but they are not directly indicated by the lab values provided.
Choice D reason: Asterixis, a flapping tremor of the hands, and confusion are signs of hepatic encephalopathy, which can be associated with elevated serum ammonia levels, as indicated by the lab results.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This response acknowledges the patient's feelings and invites further discussion, which can help the nurse understand the patient's concerns and provide appropriate support.
Choice B reason: Asking about specific challenges can be helpful, but it might be too direct for an initial response when the patient is expressing a general sense of being overwhelmed.
Choice C reason: While it's true that the healthcare team will provide support, this response may not address the patient's immediate emotional needs and concerns.
Choice D reason: This response might seem dismissive of the patient's concerns and does not acknowledge the difficulty of adjusting to a chronic illness like Parkinson's disease.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessing for hematuria is important but not the priority action. Hematuria can be a symptom of various conditions and does not directly address the abnormal laboratory results.
Choice B reason: Monitoring temperature is a routine action in sepsis management but does not address the immediate concern of the abnormal laboratory results, specifically the elevated aPTT and low platelet count.
Choice C reason: Evaluating skin turgor is a method to assess dehydration, which is not the immediate concern indicated by the laboratory results.
Choice D reason: The elevated aPTT and low platelet count suggest a potential coagulopathy, which could be a sign of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), a complication of sepsis. Administering heparin may be part of the treatment for DIC to prevent further clotting and is a priority action in this context.
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