Elevated serum ammonia level causes which complication of cirrhosis?

Hepatic encephalopathy

Jaundice

Ascites

Peripheral neuropathies

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Hepatic encephalopathy is a severe complication of cirrhosis caused by elevated serum ammonia levels. When the liver is unable to effectively remove ammonia from the blood due to cirrhosis, ammonia accumulates and crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurological symptoms such as confusion, altered mental status, and even coma. This condition is directly related to the liver's impaired ability to detoxify the blood, making it the most consistent complication associated with elevated serum ammonia levels.
Choice B reason: Jaundice is a common symptom of cirrhosis, but it is not directly caused by elevated serum ammonia levels. Jaundice occurs due to the liver's inability to process bilirubin, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown, leading to its accumulation in the blood and tissues. While jaundice is a sign of liver dysfunction, it is not specifically linked to ammonia levels.
Choice C reason: Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is a common complication of cirrhosis. It occurs due to portal hypertension and hypoalbuminemia, which result from liver dysfunction. Although ascites is a significant complication, it is not directly caused by elevated serum ammonia levels.
Choice D reason: Peripheral neuropathies are nerve damage that can occur in various conditions, but they are not typically associated with elevated serum ammonia levels in cirrhosis. Peripheral neuropathies can result from nutritional deficiencies, metabolic disorders, or other underlying conditions, but they are not a direct consequence of ammonia accumulation.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Low T4 levels do not indicate hyperthyroidism. In fact, low levels of T4 are typically associated with hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones.
Choice B reason: High T4 levels are indicative of hyperthyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone (T4), leading to elevated T4 levels in the blood.
Choice C reason: Low TSH levels are also indicative of hyperthyroidism. The pituitary gland secretes TSH to regulate thyroid hormone production. When thyroid hormone levels are high, as in hyperthyroidism, the pituitary gland reduces TSH secretion, resulting in low TSH levels.
Choice D reason: High TSH levels are not associated with hyperthyroidism. Elevated TSH levels are more commonly seen in hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, and the pituitary gland compensates by increasing TSH production to stimulate the thyroid gland.

A. Taking two medications dissolves the blood clot much faster. B. Because of the risk for a blood clot in the lungs, it is important for you to take more than one blood thinner. C. Heparin will start to dissolve the clot, and warfarin will prevent any more clots from forming. D. Heparin works right away, but warfarin takes several days to prevent clots.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because the combination of heparin and warfarin does not dissolve the blood clot faster. Instead, these medications have different mechanisms of action. Heparin works quickly to prevent further clot formation, while warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels and maintain anticoagulation over the long term.
Choice B reason: While the risk of a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) is a concern, the necessity of using both heparin and warfarin is not because of the need for multiple blood thinners but rather due to their complementary pharmacokinetics. Heparin provides immediate anticoagulation, whereas warfarin requires time to become effective.
Choice C reason: This statement is also incorrect. Heparin does not dissolve clots but works to prevent the extension of existing clots and the formation of new ones. Warfarin, likewise, does not dissolve clots but prevents further clot formation by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
Choice D reason: This is the accurate response. Heparin works immediately, providing rapid anticoagulation, which is essential for acute management of venous thromboembolism. On the other hand, warfarin takes several days to achieve its anticoagulant effect because it works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Therefore, the patient is initially placed on heparin to provide immediate protection against clotting while warfarin is started simultaneously. Once warfarin reaches a therapeutic level, heparin can be discontinued, and warfarin can maintain long-term anticoagulation.

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Elevated serum ammonia level causes which complication of cirrhosis?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What test results would indicate hyperthyroidism? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Important nursing interventions when caring for a patient with Cushing syndrome include:

Which assessment findings are consistent with cirrhosis? Select all that apply.

Which information from a 70-year-old patient during a health history indicates to the nurse that the patient should be screened for hepatitis C?

Which patient statement indicates to the nurse that further instruction is needed about chronic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?