The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Which statement by the client is cause for the greatest concern?
"I have a tight sensation in my lower leg when I forget to put my feet up."
"I can't button my pants anymore because my belly is so swollen."
"I'm very constipated and have been straining during bowel movements."
"When I sleep, I have to sit in a recliner so that I can breathe more easily."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: “I have a tight sensation in my lower leg when I forget to put my feet up.” This statement may indicate the presence of edema, which is common in cirrhosis due to hypoalbuminemia and sodium retention. However, it is not as immediately concerning as other symptoms because it can often be managed with diuretics and compression. It is important to monitor for worsening edema, as it can lead to increased discomfort and risk of skin breakdown.
Choice B: “I can’t button my pants anymore because my belly is so swollen.” This statement is concerning because it suggests the development of ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal swelling. Ascites can lead to abdominal discomfort, difficulty breathing, and is a sign of advanced liver disease with significant portal hypertension. It requires medical evaluation and management, which may include paracentesis (removal of fluid), diuretics, and sodium restriction. Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring (fibrosis) of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. Portal hypertension is an increase in the blood pressure within a system of veins called the portal venous system. Veins from the stomach, intestine, spleen, and pancreas merge into the portal vein, which then branches into smaller vessels and travels through the liver.
Choice C: “I’m very constipated and have been straining during bowel movements.” While constipation is uncomfortable and can indicate dietary issues or side effects from medication, it is not typically a direct complication of cirrhosis or portal hypertension. However, straining during bowel movements can increase the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices if they are present, so it is important to manage constipation to prevent potential complications.
Choice D: “When I sleep, I have to sit in a recliner so that I can breathe more easily.” This statement indicates orthopnea, which can be associated with ascites or pleural effusions (fluid in the lungs), both of which can occur in the setting of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. While this symptom is concerning and affects the client’s quality of life, it is generally less concerning than the development of ascites, as it can be managed with adjustments in sleeping position and medical management of the underlying fluid accumulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Instructing the client to perform range-of-motion exercises to his lower extremities immediately after cardiac catheterization is not recommended. The client should maintain bed rest with the affected leg straight to prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site.
Choice B reason: Ambulating the client 1 hour following the procedure is not advised. After femoral artery access, the client is typically required to remain on bed rest with the affected leg straight for several hours to ensure hemostasis and prevent bleeding².
Choice C reason: Restricting the client's fluid intake is not a standard post-procedure action. Adequate hydration is important after cardiac catheterization to help flush the contrast dye used during the procedure from the body, unless contraindicated.
Choice D reason: Assessing the color, temperature, and pulse in the affected extremity is crucial for detecting signs of bleeding, hematoma formation, or arterial occlusion. These assessments should be performed regularly as part of post-cardiac catheterization care².
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
Choice A: Administer antiemetics as needed Reason: Acute pancreatitis often causes severe nausea and vomiting. Antiemetics are administered to control these symptoms and prevent further complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Choice B: Administer analgesics as needed Reason: Pain management is a crucial part of the treatment for acute pancreatitis. The condition can cause severe abdominal pain, and analgesics are administered to provide relief.
Choice C: NPO (nothing by mouth) until pain-free Reason: The goal in treating acute pancreatitis is to allow the pancreas to rest and recover from the inflammation3. Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) helps achieve this by reducing the stimulation and workload of the pancreas.
Choice D: Monitor blood glucose and provide insulin as needed Reason: Acute pancreatitis can affect the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Therefore, monitoring blood glucose levels and administering insulin as needed is an important part of the management plan.
Choice E: Side-lying or fetal position Reason: While the side-lying or fetal position might help some patients with abdominal pain, it is not a standard intervention for acute pancreatitis. Therefore, this option is not correct.
Choice F: Monitor hydration status Reason: Patients with acute pancreatitis are at risk of dehydration due to symptoms like vomiting and decreased oral intake. Monitoring hydration status is crucial to ensure appropriate fluid replacement.
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