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The nurse has reviewed the laboratory results day 1 at 1800.

Exhibits

Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.

The client is at risk for

due to

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"A","dropdown-group-2":"C"}

Rationale:

  • Hepatic encephalopathy: This is caused by the buildup of neurotoxins, particularly ammonia, due to impaired liver function. The client’s elevated ammonia level and history of chronic alcohol use and jaundice support this diagnosis. Early signs may include confusion and lethargy, progressing to coma if untreated.
  • Uremic encephalopathy: This condition is caused by accumulation of urea and toxins due to kidney failure. There is no evidence in the case of renal impairment, such as elevated BUN or creatinine levels, making this diagnosis unlikely in the current context.
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose can cause confusion or altered mental status, but this client’s symptoms and labs do not indicate hypoglycemia. There is no mention of a low glucose level, and the focus of concern is more aligned with liver failure than endocrine causes.
  • Abdominal pain: Although abdominal pain is a relevant symptom in liver disease, it is nonspecific and not directly responsible for hepatic encephalopathy. It reflects general liver inflammation or ascites but does not cause neurologic symptoms on its own.
  • Albumin 3.0 g/dL: Low albumin indicates reduced liver synthetic function and contributes to fluid shifts like ascites, but it is not neurotoxic. It does not directly cause hepatic encephalopathy or altered mental status.
  • Ammonia 150 mcg/dL: This is a critically elevated value, more than double the normal upper limit. High ammonia levels are the most direct biochemical cause of hepatic encephalopathy and require immediate treatment to prevent worsening neurological decline.
  • Total Bilirubin 2.0 mg/dL: While elevated bilirubin suggests cholestasis and impaired liver clearance, it leads to jaundice rather than mental status changes. It reflects liver dysfunction but is not the key factor in encephalopathy development.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Decreased calcium levels: Hypocalcemia may cause neuromuscular symptoms such as tetany or tingling but is not associated with exophthalmos (protruding eyes). Calcium imbalance does not typically cause changes in eye appearance.

B. Decreased somatotropin levels: Somatotropin (growth hormone) deficiency may lead to growth delay or reduced muscle mass, but it is not associated with changes in orbital appearance. Protruding eyes are unrelated to growth hormone levels.

C. Increased glucose levels: Elevated glucose is characteristic of diabetes mellitus and may lead to complications like neuropathy or retinopathy, but it does not cause eye protrusion.

D. Increased T4 levels: Elevated thyroxine (T4) is seen in hyperthyroidism, particularly in Graves' disease, which is strongly associated with exophthalmos. The protrusion results from inflammation and edema of orbital tissues, a hallmark of this thyroid disorder.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Hypernatremia: While mild hypernatremia can occur in severe dehydration, it is not a defining or consistent feature of type 1 diabetes. Electrolyte imbalances may vary depending on hydration and glucose levels.

B. Decreased serum osmolality: In type 1 diabetes, serum osmolality is typically increased due to hyperglycemia and the osmotic effect of glucose in the bloodstream, which draws water out of cells and into the vascular space. A decrease would be inconsistent with the expected metabolic state.

C. Ketones in the urine: Ketones in the urine are a hallmark of type 1 diabetes, especially when insulin is deficient. Without insulin, the body breaks down fat for energy, producing ketones as a byproduct, which can be detected in the urine during diabetic ketoacidosis.

D. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is a complication of diabetes management, often resulting from too much insulin or missed meals. It is not a presenting manifestation of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, which typically presents with hyperglycemia and related symptoms.

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