A nurse is reviewing laboratory findings for three clients.
Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse expect for a client who has cirrhosis?

The data collection findings are consistent with the following disease processes: Abdominal cramping: This finding can indicate ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, or Crohn’s disease.

Abdominal cramping is a common symptom of inflammation and infection in the digestive tract. Weight loss: This finding can indicate ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Weight loss can result from malabsorption, reduced appetite, inflammation, or complications of the disease. Diarrhea: This finding can indicate ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Diarrhea is caused by increased intestinal motility, inflammation, and ulceration of the mucosa. Anemia: This finding can indicate ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease. Anemia can result from chronic blood loss, iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, or inflammation. The finding of fatty appearance and foul odor of the stool is also consistent with Crohn’s disease, as it suggests steatorrhea (excess fat in the stool) due to malabsorption. The finding of a positive fecal occult blood test is consistent with ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, as it indicates bleeding in the digestive tract.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should include the instruction to wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds in the teaching. This is a fundamental aspect of hand hygiene in healthcare settings. The rationale for this choice is that proper handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most effective way to remove dirt, debris, and transient microorganisms from the hands. It helps prevent the spread of infections, including those caused by viruses and bacteria.

Choice B rationale:

Wearing sterile gloves when in contact with body fluids is not directly related to hand hygiene education. While wearing gloves is an essential infection control practice, it is not a substitute for proper handwashing. Hand hygiene should be performed before donning gloves and after removing them.

Choice C rationale:

Using alcohol-based cleanser when hands are visibly soiled is not the best instruction for hand hygiene. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective when hands are not visibly soiled. In cases of visible soiling, handwashing with soap and water is recommended to physically remove dirt and contaminants.

Choice D rationale:

Artificial nails should not be worn when performing direct client care as they can harbor microorganisms and make it challenging to clean the hands adequately. The use of artificial nails can increase the risk of transmitting infections to patients, which is why they should be discouraged in healthcare settings.