Elevated serum ammonia level causes which complication of cirrhosis?
Hepatic encephalopathy
Jaundice
Ascites
Peripheral neuropathies
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: A tongue blade is not typically necessary for a patient with status epilepticus. It is more commonly used for oral care or to check the throat, but it is not essential in this context.
Choice B reason: A urinary catheter is not necessary unless the patient has specific urinary retention issues or requires accurate measurement of urine output. It is not standard equipment for managing status epilepticus.
Choice C reason: A nasogastric tube is not typically required for status epilepticus unless there are specific gastrointestinal issues that need to be addressed. It is not standard equipment for managing status epilepticus.
Choice D reason: A suction set up is essential for a patient with status epilepticus to manage potential airway secretions and prevent aspiration. It ensures that the airway remains clear and reduces the risk of complications.
Choice E reason: An oxygen mask is crucial for a patient with status epilepticus to ensure adequate oxygenation. It helps maintain oxygen levels and supports respiratory function, especially if the patient experiences respiratory distress.
Choice F reason: Side-rail pads are important for patient safety, particularly for a patient with status epilepticus who may be at risk of falls or injury during seizures. They provide a protective barrier and help prevent accidental injury.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: The patient is alert and oriented x4. This indicates that the patient is fully aware of their surroundings and does not require follow-up for this finding.
Choice B reason: The patient reports nausea. Nausea can be a symptom of many underlying conditions, including gastrointestinal issues or medication side effects, and requires follow-up to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Choice C reason: The abdomen is tender to palpation. Abdominal tenderness can indicate inflammation, infection, or other abdominal pathology, which requires follow-up to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate management.
Choice D reason: The patient is 60 years old. This is a demographic detail and does not indicate a medical condition requiring follow-up.
Choice E reason: The patient has dark amber urine. Dark amber urine can be an indication of dehydration or other underlying conditions that require follow-up to identify and address the cause.
Choice F reason: The patient's oral temperature is 102.4°F. A fever indicates the presence of an infection or other health issue that needs to be investigated and managed.
Choice G reason: The patient is voiding without difficulty. This indicates that there are no issues with urinary function, so no follow-up is required for this finding.
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