A nurse is assessing a client who has cirrhosis.
Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?
Distended abdomen.
Clay-colored stools.
Platelets 70,000/mm.
Alkaline phosphatase 125 units/L.
The Correct Answer is C
Platelets 70,000/mm.
The priority finding for a nurse assessing a client who has cirrhosis to report is a platelet count of 70,000/mm.
A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can be a complication of cirrhosis and can increase the risk of bleeding.
A platelet count below 150,000/mm3 is considered low and should be reported to the provider.
Choice A is incorrect because while a distended abdomen can be a sign of ascites, a complication of cirrhosis, it is not the priority finding to report.
Choice B is incorrect because while clay-colored stools can be a sign of biliary obstruction, it is not the priority finding to report.
Choice D is incorrect because while an elevated alkaline phosphatase level can be a sign of liver damage, it is not the priority finding to report.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
“I should expect less than 25 mL of secretions per day in the drainage devices.” After a mastectomy with breast reconstruction using a tissue expander, you may go home with drains in your chest to remove extra fluid.
Choice A is wrong because performing strength-building arm exercises using a 15-pound weight is not recommended.
Choice B is wrong because waiting 2 months before additional saline can be added to the breast expander is not accurate.
Choice C is wrong because keeping the left arm flexed at the elbow as much as possible is not recommended.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should plan to insert a large-bore nasogastric tube for a client who has upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to a peptic ulcer.
This allows for gastric lavage and can help diagnose the source of bleeding.
Choice A is wrong because a 22-gauge IV line may be too small for rapid fluid resuscitation.
Choice B is wrong because ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice C is wrong because nitroprusside is a vasodilator used to treat hypertensive emergencies and is not typically used for upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
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