A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client suspected to have liver cirrhosis. Which finding should the nurse expect to be elevated, indicating impaired liver function?
Serum albumin levels
Prothrombin time (PT)
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels
Total bilirubin levels
The Correct Answer is D
A) Serum albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver, and its levels are often decreased in advanced liver cirrhosis due to impaired liver function. However, the question asks for an elevated finding, not a decreased one.
B) Prothrombin time (PT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot. In liver cirrhosis, PT is often prolonged due to impaired liver function and reduced production of clotting factors. However, the question asks for an elevated finding, not a prolonged one.
C) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver and other organs. While AST levels may be elevated in liver cirrhosis, it is not a specific marker for liver cirrhosis, and its elevation can occur in various liver diseases and conditions.
D) In liver cirrhosis, impaired liver function leads to reduced clearance of bilirubin, resulting in elevated total bilirubin levels in the blood. Elevated bilirubin is a common finding in liver cirrhosis and can contribute to jaundice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) While adequate protein intake is important for overall health, encouraging the client to increase protein intake is not a priority in managing ascites. The priority is to address fluid retention through diuretic therapy.
B) While ambulation can be beneficial for clients with liver cirrhosis, it is not the priority for managing ascites. Diuretic therapy is more directly targeted at reducing fluid accumulation.
C) The priority nursing intervention for managing ascites in a client with liver cirrhosis is administering diuretics as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Diuretics help reduce fluid retention and alleviate the pressure caused by the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. This intervention aims to improve the client's comfort and prevent the development of further complications associated with ascites.
D) Deep breathing exercises can be helpful for clients with liver cirrhosis, but they are not the priority for managing ascites. The focus should be on diuretic therapy and addressing the fluid retention in the abdomen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A)Paracentesis is a procedure in which a needle or catheter is inserted into the peritoneal cavity to drain the accumulated fluid in clients with ascites. This procedure is performed to relieve abdominal pressure and discomfort, as well as to facilitate diagnostic testing on the ascitic fluid.
B) Thoracentesis is a procedure to drain fluid from the pleural cavity, which is the space surrounding the lungs. It is not used to treat ascites.
C) Pleurodesis is a procedure performed to create adhesions between the two layers of the pleura to prevent recurrent pleural effusions (fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity). It is not used to treat ascites.
D) Pericardiocentesis is a procedure to drain fluid from the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. It is not used to treat ascites.
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