A nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has just been admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of confusion/delirium.The patient has an end-stage liver failure diagnosis with increasing ascites.
Their spouse Questions the nurse about the patient’s mental status because they state that the patient is usually lucid. Which of the following is likely the contributing factor for the admitting diagnosis?
This is likely related to new-onset dementia.
This is likely related to new-onset schizophrenia.
This is likely related to new-onset hepatic encephalopathy.
This is likely related to a new-onset UTI.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale
Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that can cause confusion or delirium in patients with end-stage liver disease and increasing ascites. It occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, such as ammonia, which can then accumulate in the brain and affect mental function. This condition is common in patients with cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease, and can manifest as confusion, changes in sleep patterns, mood alterations, and, in severe cases, coma.
Choice A rationale
While dementia can cause confusion and changes in mental status, it is typically a progressive condition that develops over time. In the context of a patient with end-stage liver failure and
increasing ascites who is usually lucid, a sudden onset of confusion or delirium is more likely to be due to a condition related to their liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B rationale
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. It is not typically associated with end-stage liver disease or ascites. In the context of a patient with end-stage liver failure and increasing ascites who is usually lucid, a sudden onset of confusion or delirium is more likely to be due to a condition related to their liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D rationale
While a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause confusion, especially in older adults, it would not typically be the primary suspect in a patient with end-stage liver failure and increasing ascites. In such a patient, hepatic encephalopathy is a more likely cause of confusion or delirium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through fecal contamination of food or water. This can occur when an infected person does not wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom and then touches food or other objects that others then put in their mouths.
Choice B rationale
While sexual intercourse can potentially transmit Hepatitis A, it is not the primary mode of transmission. The risk is higher if the sexual activity involves oral-anal contact.
Choice C rationale
Kissing mouth-to-mouth is not typically a primary mode of Hepatitis A transmission unless fecal particles are somehow involved.
Choice D rationale
Contact with infected blood is not the primary mode of Hepatitis A transmission. Hepatitis A is primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, not through blood.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Avoiding the use of tanning booths is an effective measure to prevent skin cancer as tanning booths emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Choice B rationale
Using sunscreen even on cloudy days is recommended as UV rays can penetrate through clouds and harm the skin.
Choice C rationale
Checking the skin monthly for any changes is a good practice as early detection of skin changes can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
Choice D rationale
Eating a high fiber diet does not reduce the risk for developing skin cancer. While a healthy diet is important for overall health, it does not directly prevent skin cancer. Hypokalemia Explore
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