Patient Data
The nurse evaluates the client, vital signs, and laboratory results.
Choose the most likely options for the information missing from the statement by selecting from the lists of options provided. The client is at the highest risk for
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Rationale:
• Hepatitis: The client’s elevated liver enzymes (AST 48 U/L, ALT 59 U/L), elevated bilirubin (3 mg/dL), and clinical signs such as jaundice and spider angiomas indicate liver inflammation and damage. These findings are consistent with alcoholic hepatitis, a condition caused by chronic alcohol consumption. The combination of laboratory abnormalities and physical assessment strongly supports hepatitis as the primary risk.
• Nephritis: There is no evidence of renal inflammation in the assessment. The client’s genitourinary function is within normal limits, and there are no laboratory findings suggesting elevated creatinine or hematuria.
• Cholecystitis: Although the client has jaundice, there is no reported right upper quadrant pain, fever, or Murphy’s sign, which are typical for gallbladder inflammation. Abdominal distension is more likely related to liver disease or ascites rather than cholecystitis.
• Chronic alcohol abuse: The client reports long-term, heavy alcohol use (12–16 beers daily for 2 years), which is the leading cause of hepatocellular injury in adults. Chronic alcohol intake disrupts liver metabolism, causes fat accumulation in hepatocytes, and increases the risk of alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. This risk factor directly explains the lab and clinical findings, making it the most relevant cause.
• Unmanaged hypertension: While the client has a history of untreated hypertension, it does not explain the elevated liver enzymes or jaundice. Hypertension increases cardiovascular risk but is not the primary factor causing hepatic injury.
• Viral infection: Viral hepatitis could cause similar laboratory and clinical findings, but there is no evidence of recent viral illness or laboratory confirmation. Chronic alcohol abuse is a more consistent explanation for the constellation of findings in this client.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. History of vomiting at home for 3 days prior to surgery: A recent history of prolonged vomiting increases the risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and delayed gastric emptying. This information is crucial for the receiving nurse to consider when monitoring fluid status, nausea, and postoperative recovery, making it essential to report.
B. Soft abdomen, absent bowel sounds, no bleeding on dressing: These findings are expected immediately after abdominal surgery and are routine for PACU handoff. While important to note, they do not represent additional risk factors requiring urgent attention.
C. Declining to take ice chips despite reporting of dry mouth: While oral intake may help with comfort, refusal of ice chips is not an urgent clinical concern. It can be addressed post-transfer once safety and vital signs are assessed.
D. Peripheral pulses present with full range of motion of both legs: Normal peripheral neurovascular findings are expected and routine for PACU report. This information does not require immediate additional attention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Explain to the parents that anger is a common response to grief: Anger is a normal stage of grief and often occurs when families are processing shock, fear, and helplessness after a terminal diagnosis. Providing education and normalization helps reduce guilt, facilitates emotional expression, and supports healthy coping.
B. Refer the parents to the chaplain to provide grief counseling: Chaplaincy support can be helpful for spiritual and emotional needs, but immediate intervention involves addressing the parents’ acute emotional response. Referral alone does not provide timely support for the anger being expressed.
C. Assure the parents that a terminal diagnosis was inevitable: Telling parents the outcome was inevitable may be perceived as dismissive or minimizing their feelings. It does not validate their emotions or help them process grief constructively.
D. Tell the parents that blaming each other will not change the situation: Confronting blame without acknowledging emotions may increase defensiveness and conflict. Immediate support should focus on understanding and normalizing grief reactions rather than correcting behavior.
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