A nurse is caring for a client who has hepatic encephalopathy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?
Calcium
Potassium
Ammonia
Glucose
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Calcium: While calcium is important for many bodily functions, it is not a primary indicator for monitoring hepatic encephalopathy. Calcium imbalances do not directly correlate with the severity or management of this condition.
B. Potassium: Potassium levels are important for overall electrolyte balance, but they are not specific to hepatic encephalopathy. Monitoring potassium is part of routine care but does not indicate the progression or severity of encephalopathy.
C. Ammonia: Elevated ammonia levels are a key contributor to hepatic encephalopathy. The liver normally converts ammonia to urea, and when liver function is impaired, ammonia accumulates, affecting neurological function. Monitoring ammonia helps assess severity and guide treatment interventions.
D. Glucose: While glucose monitoring is important in general care, it is not specific to hepatic encephalopathy. Hyper- or hypoglycemia may occur with liver disease but does not directly reflect the presence or progression of encephalopathy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Metoclopramide: Metoclopramide is an antiemetic and prokinetic agent used to treat nausea and gastroparesis. It is not classified as a controlled substance because it does not have potential for abuse or dependence.
B. Dantrolene: Dantrolene is a muscle relaxant used to treat spasticity and malignant hyperthermia. It is not a controlled substance as it has low potential for abuse or addiction.
C. Midazolam: Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used for sedation, anesthesia, and seizure management. Benzodiazepines are classified as controlled substances due to their potential for dependence, abuse, and misuse, making midazolam a controlled drug.
D. Ketorolac: Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for short-term pain management. It is not a controlled substance because it has minimal risk for abuse or dependence.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Administer the medication into the vastus lateralis muscle: The vastus lateralis is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants because it is well-developed and free of major nerves and blood vessels. This site allows for safe and effective absorption of the medication.
B. Administer the medication with a 20-gauge needle: A 20-gauge needle is too large for infants and can cause unnecessary tissue trauma. A smaller gauge, typically 22–25, is appropriate for IM injections in infants to minimize pain and tissue damage.
C. Administer the medication into the deltoid muscle: The deltoid muscle is underdeveloped in infants, making it unsuitable for IM injections due to limited muscle mass and risk of injury to underlying structures. It is generally used only in older children or adults.
D. Administer the medication over 2 min: IM injections are typically administered at a moderate pace, but a 2-minute administration is unnecessarily slow for infants. Proper technique involves steady, controlled injection without causing excessive discomfort.
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