A nurse is planning care for a client who has long-term liver cirrhosis and a new diagnosis of abdominal ascites. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care to prevent complications?
Administer furosemide.
Weigh the client weekly.
Offer the client a high-sodium diet.
Administer heparin.
The Correct Answer is B
Answer: A. Administer furosemide.
Rationales
A. Administer furosemide.
Furosemide, a loop diuretic, helps reduce fluid overload by promoting urinary excretion of sodium and water. In a client with cirrhosis and ascites, it decreases abdominal distention, eases breathing by reducing pressure on the diaphragm, and prevents complications related to severe fluid accumulation.
B. Weigh the client weekly.
Weekly weights would not provide sufficient monitoring for a client with ascites, since fluid retention can change rapidly within hours or days. Daily weights are necessary to detect subtle increases in fluid status and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.
C. Offer the client a high-sodium diet.
A high-sodium diet would worsen fluid retention and ascites, as sodium promotes water retention. Instead, a low-sodium diet is indicated to limit further fluid buildup in the peritoneal cavity.
D. Administer heparin.
Heparin is not a standard intervention for cirrhosis with ascites. Because the diseased liver produces fewer clotting factors, clients are already at risk for bleeding, and anticoagulant therapy would heighten this risk without addressing the underlying problem of fluid accumulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Poor skin turgor is a sign of dehydration and is not specifically related to hypoglycemia. It is assessed by pinching the skin on the back of the hand and observing how quickly it returns to its normal position.
Choice B rationale:
Fruity breath odor is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of uncontrolled diabetes, not hypoglycemia. It is caused by the presence of ketones in the breath due to the breakdown of fats for energy in the absence of adequate insulin.
Choice C rationale:
Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid, and labored breathing patterns seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), not in hypoglycemia. They are the body's attempt to blow off excess carbon dioxide and acid from the blood.
Choice D rationale:
Irritability is a common manifestation of hypoglycemia. Low blood glucose levels can affect brain function, leading to mood changes, irritability, and nervousness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing a continuous passive motion (CPM) device is not necessary for a client following a total hip arthroplasty. CPM devices are more commonly used after knee arthroplasty to improve joint mobility.
Choice B rationale:
Ensuring the client has an elevated toilet seat at home is important following a total hip arthroplasty. The elevated seat reduces the amount of hip flexion required during toileting, which helps prevent hip dislocation and strain on the surgical site.
Choice C rationale:
Providing a trapeze bar is not essential for a client following a total hip arthroplasty. Trapeze bars are typically used to assist with repositioning in bed for clients with limited mobility, but they are not specific to hip arthroplasty recovery.
Choice D rationale:
Providing a compression garment is not necessary after total hip arthroplasty. Compression garments are often used for conditions like venous insufficiency or to manage swelling, but they are not routinely used for hip arthroplasty recovery.
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