Manifestations associated with hepatic encephalopathy from chronic liver disease are the result of:
Hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
Decreased cerebral blood flow
Impaired ammonia metabolism and increased ammonia levels in the blood
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice are common manifestations of chronic liver disease, but they are not the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy. These conditions result from the liver's inability to process and clear bilirubin effectively, leading to its accumulation in the blood and subsequent yellowing of the skin and eyes. While these symptoms indicate liver dysfunction, they do not directly cause the neurological impairments seen in hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B reason: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances are often associated with chronic liver disease and can contribute to various complications, including ascites and edema. However, these imbalances are not the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy. While electrolyte disturbances, particularly hyponatremia, can exacerbate encephalopathy, the condition itself is more directly linked to the liver's inability to detoxify certain substances, such as ammonia.
Choice C reason: Decreased cerebral blood flow can lead to neurological impairments, but it is not the primary mechanism underlying hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy primarily results from the accumulation of neurotoxic substances that the liver can no longer effectively process, rather than reduced blood flow to the brain.
Choice D reason: Impaired ammonia metabolism and increased ammonia levels in the blood are the main causes of hepatic encephalopathy. In chronic liver disease, the liver's ability to convert ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea for excretion is compromised. As a result, ammonia accumulates in the blood and crosses the blood-brain barrier, leading to neurotoxicity and the characteristic symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, such as confusion, altered consciousness, and asterixis (flapping tremor).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Autonomic dysreflexia is a condition that occurs in individuals with spinal cord injuries, typically at or above the T6 level. It is characterized by a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure (hypertension), accompanied by a slowed heart rate (bradycardia) and severe headache. This condition results from an exaggerated autonomic response to stimuli below the level of the spinal cord injury, such as a distended bladder or bowel, leading to the release of catecholamines and subsequent vasoconstriction.
Choice B reason: Hypotension and shock are not characteristic of autonomic dysreflexia. Instead, autonomic dysreflexia involves hypertension. Hypotension and shock are more commonly associated with conditions such as spinal shock or severe blood loss, not the autonomic crisis seen in autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice C reason: Extreme pain below the level of injury can occur in individuals with spinal cord injuries, but it is not a hallmark of autonomic dysreflexia. The condition is primarily marked by the triad of hypertension, bradycardia, and headache. Pain below the level of injury may be related to other complications of spinal cord injury but does not define autonomic dysreflexia.
Choice D reason: Pallor and vasodilation above the level of injury are not typical features of autonomic dysreflexia. In fact, above the level of injury, individuals may experience vasoconstriction and flushing due to the altered autonomic responses. The key symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia are hypertension, bradycardia, and headache.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Beta blockers are commonly used to treat cardiac dysrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, which helps to reduce the heart rate and regulate the rhythm. This makes beta blockers effective in managing conditions such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular arrhythmias, and supraventricular tachycardia.
Choice B reason: Hypotension (low blood pressure) is not typically treated with beta blockers. In fact, beta blockers can sometimes lower blood pressure, so they are usually avoided in patients with pre-existing hypotension. Instead, other medications or treatments are used to manage low blood pressure.
Choice C reason: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is not treated with beta blockers. The primary treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy, usually with levothyroxine. Beta blockers do not address the underlying issue of thyroid hormone deficiency and are not used in the management of this condition.
Choice D reason: Beta blockers are used to treat heart failure, particularly in patients with systolic heart failure. They help to reduce the workload on the heart, improve heart function, and decrease the risk of hospitalization and mortality. By slowing the heart rate and reducing the force of contraction, beta blockers can help to manage symptoms and improve outcomes in heart failure patients.
Choice E reason: Beta blockers are used to treat stage fright (performance anxiety) because they help to control physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate, trembling, and sweating. By blocking the effects of adrenaline, beta blockers can help individuals feel calmer and more composed during stressful situations, such as public speaking or performing in front of an audience.
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