A patient is admitted with esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Which underlying cause of these conditions would the nurse suspect?
Liver cirrhosis
Throat lacerations
Kyphosis
Squamous cell cancer
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Liver cirrhosis is the most common cause of esophageal varices and portal hypertension. Cirrhosis leads to scarring of the liver, which impedes blood flow through the portal vein, causing increased pressure (portal hypertension) and the development of collateral blood vessels (varices) as the body attempts to bypass the blockage.
Choice B rationale
Throat lacerations are not related to the development of esophageal varices or portal hypertension. They are typically acute injuries and do not cause the chronic changes seen in the vasculature associated with these conditions.
Choice C rationale
Kyphosis, a curvature of the spine, does not cause esophageal varices or portal hypertension. It is a structural skeletal condition and does not affect the vasculature of the esophagus or the portal venous system.
Choice D rationale
While squamous cell cancer can occur in the esophagus, it is not a typical cause of portal hypertension or esophageal varices. These varices are usually a result of increased pressure in the portal vein, not directly from a malignancy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Diarrhea is a common symptom in both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease, often presenting with urgency and frequency.
Choice B rationale
Lesions that penetrate the intestine are more characteristic of Crohn's disease, which can affect any layer of the intestinal wall and any part of the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice C rationale
Strictures are more common in Crohn's disease due to its transmural inflammatory nature, which can lead to fibrosis and narrowing of the intestines¹.
Choice D rationale
UC is restricted to the colon and often involves the rectum, but Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus and is not restricted to the rectum¹.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring fluid and electrolytes is essential in managing ascites to prevent complications such as fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances, which can exacerbate the condition.
Choice B rationale
Providing a high-sodium diet is not recommended for patients with ascites. Sodium restriction is typically advised to help manage fluid retention.
Choice C rationale
Anticipating paracentesis is appropriate as it is a procedure used to remove excess fluid from the abdominal cavity, providing relief from discomfort and respiratory difficulty.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging high-fluid intake is not recommended for ascites management. Fluid restriction may be necessary to prevent further accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Choice E rationale
Administering an albumin infusion can be part of the treatment for ascites, especially following paracentesis, to help maintain blood volume and pressure.
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