A registered nurse (RN) assesses a patient with cirrhosis and finds ascites with pitting edema of the feet and legs. Which factor contributes to edema and ascites in patients with cirrhosis?
Diminished serum albumin levels causes water to shift from blood to tissue.
Portal hypotension causes a fluid shift from the abdominal cavity into the portal veins.
Hypoaldosteronism causes a fluid volume deficit: shifting water from blood into tissue.
Aberrations of the portal system cause a back-up of blood that leads to hydronephrosis.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Diminished serum albumin levels cause water to shift from blood to tissue: In cirrhosis, liver dysfunction leads to decreased production of albumin, a protein that helps maintain oncotic pressure. Low albumin levels cause fluid to shift from the vascular space into the tissues, resulting in ascites and peripheral edema.
B. Portal hypotension causes a fluid shift from the abdominal cavity into the portal veins: Portal hypertension, not hypotension, is a common feature of cirrhosis, but it leads to ascites by increasing pressure in the portal venous system, not by shifting fluid into the portal veins.
C. Hypoaldosteronism causes a fluid volume deficit: shifting water from blood into tissue: Cirrhosis often leads to hyperaldosteronism, not hypoaldosteronism, resulting in sodium and water retention, which contributes to edema.
D. Aberrations of the portal system cause a back-up of blood that leads to hydronephrosis: Hydronephrosis is related to obstruction of the urinary tract, not a complication of portal hypertension or cirrhosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Moon face, buffalo hump, and hyperglycemia: These manifestations are associated with Cushing's disease, not Addison's disease.
B. Hirsutism, fever, and irritability: These symptoms are not characteristic of Addison's disease.
C. Anorexia, fatigue, and hypotension: Addison's disease often presents with symptoms like anorexia, fatigue, hypotension, and hyperpigmentation of the skin.
D. Tachycardia, exophthalmos, and goiter: These symptoms are associated with hyperthyroidism, not Addison's disease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Esophageal varices: Coffee-ground emesis suggests upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is often due to ruptured esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis.
B. Colorectal cancer: This condition typically presents with lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as changes in bowel habits or blood in the stool, not coffee-ground emesis.
C. Inflammatory bowel disease: This condition can cause gastrointestinal bleeding but is more commonly associated with symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain rather than coffee-ground emesis.
D. Appendicitis: This condition typically presents with right lower quadrant pain, not upper GI bleeding.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.