A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Monitor for abdominal ascites.
Implement a low-carbohydrate diet.
Review serum amylase levels.
Place warm compresses on areas of pruritus
The Correct Answer is A
A.
A. Monitor for abdominal ascites - Ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis due to portal hypertension and decreased albumin production. Monitoring for abdominal distention and fluid
accumulation is essential for assessing the progression of cirrhosis and implementing appropriate interventions.
B. Implement a low-carbohydrate diet - While dietary modifications may be necessary for clients with cirrhosis, such as reducing sodium intake, implementing a low-carbohydrate diet is not typically a primary intervention for cirrhosis.
C. Review serum amylase levels - Serum amylase levels are typically assessed to diagnose pancreatitis, which is not directly related to cirrhosis unless complications such as alcoholic pancreatitis are present.
D. Place warm compresses on areas of pruritus - Pruritus (itching) is a common symptom of liver disease, including cirrhosis, due to bile salt accumulation. While warm compresses may provide
temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause of pruritus in cirrhosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A.
A. Gastroenteritis can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can cause lethargy and confusion. This indicates a potentially serious condition requiring immediate attention.
B. While cystic fibrosis requires management, the symptoms described (thick, productive cough and thirst) are not immediately life-threatening.
C. Sickle cell anemia pain is significant but may not require immediate intervention if the client has just received analgesia and is being monitored.
D. While a morning fasting capillary glucose of 185 mg/dL is elevated in a client with diabetes mellitus, it does not require immediate intervention unless accompanied by symptoms of hyperglycemia such as confusion or lethargy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hypotension occurs because hypermagnesemia causes vasodilation, which lowers blood pressure. Magnesium acts as a smooth muscle relaxant, decreasing vascular resistance and contributing to hypotension. This is a common clinical finding when magnesium levels exceed the normal range.
B. Tachycardia is not expected with hypermagnesemia. Elevated magnesium levels depress the heart's electrical activity, leading to bradycardia (slow heart rate) instead of tachycardia.
C. Muscle cramps are typically associated with hypomagnesemia, which increases neuromuscular excitability. In hypermagnesemia, neuromuscular function is suppressed, leading to muscle weakness rather than cramps.
D. Hyperreflexia is a symptom of hypomagnesemia, not hypermagnesemia. In hypermagnesemia, neuromuscular activity is depressed, resulting in diminished or absent deep tendon reflexes
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