A nurse is assessing a client with suspected liver cirrhosis. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find as an early sign of the condition?

Jaundice

Ascites

Spider angiomas

Hepatic encephalopathy

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) typically appears later in the course of liver cirrhosis and is usually associated with more advanced liver damage.

B) Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, is a later manifestation of liver cirrhosis and usually occurs after significant liver damage has occurred.

C) Spider angiomas, also known as spider nevi or spider telangiectasias, are dilated blood vessels that appear as small red spots with tiny radiating legs. They are a common early sign of liver cirrhosis and result from increased pressure in the superficial blood vessels due to impaired liver function. Spider angiomas are often found on the face, neck, upper trunk, and arms.

D) Hepatic encephalopathy, a neuropsychiatric complication of advanced liver disease, is also a later manifestation of liver cirrhosis and is not an early sign of the condition.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Chronic viral hepatitis is a significant risk factor for liver cirrhosis, especially in regions where these viruses are prevalent. However, alcohol abuse is considered the leading cause of liver cirrhosis.
B) Among the listed risk factors, alcohol abuse is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis in many parts of the world. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can directly damage liver cells, leading to inflammation and subsequent scarring. The risk of developing cirrhosis is closely related to the amount and duration of alcohol consumption.
C) NAFLD is a growing concern and a leading cause of liver disease globally. It is strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. While NAFLD is a significant risk factor for liver cirrhosis, alcohol abuse holds the highest association with cirrhosis.
D) Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune-mediated liver disease that can lead to chronic inflammation and cirrhosis if not properly managed. While it is a risk factor for cirrhosis, alcohol abuse remains the leading cause of the condition.

A. Serum potassium levels B. Blood glucose levels C. White blood cell count D. Serum calcium levels

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is assessing a client with suspected liver cirrhosis. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find as an early sign of the condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing community education on the risk factors for liver cirrhosis. Which risk factor should the nurse emphasize as the leading cause of liver cirrhosis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with liver cirrhosis is at risk of developing esophageal varices. Which medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed to reduce the risk of bleeding from these varices?

A client with liver cirrhosis complains of severe itching. Which term should the nurse use to document this symptom?

A client with a history of chronic hepatitis C infection asks the nurse about the risk of developing liver cirrhosis. Which response by the nurse is accurate?

A client with liver cirrhosis complains of difficulty sleeping at night due to frequent awakenings caused by shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect as the most likely cause of the client's symptom?

A client with liver cirrhosis is at risk of developing esophageal varices. Which nursing intervention is essential in the care of this client?

A client with liver cirrhosis is experiencing fluid retention and abdominal distension due to ascites. Which nursing intervention is essential to manage this complication?

A client with liver cirrhosis has developed ascites. Which nursing intervention is a priority for managing this complication?

A client with liver cirrhosis is experiencing episodes of hepatic encephalopathy. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to help reduce ammonia levels in the blood?