The nurse is caring for a client with decompensated liver disease who is experiencing fever, chills, and abdominal tenderness.

Following a paracentesis, the nurse receives laboratory results of the ascitic fluid that show the polymorphonuclear leukocyte count is 425/mm (0.42 x 10/L). After notifying the healthcare provider, what action should the nurse take next?

Review serum protein levels

Begin abdominal girth measurements

Initiate antibiotic therapy

Assess neurological status

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale
Reviewing serum protein levels can provide valuable information about a client’s nutritional status and liver function. However, in the context of a client with decompensated liver disease who is experiencing fever, chills, and abdominal tenderness, and has a high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in ascitic fluid, initiating antibiotic therapy is the priority.
Choice B rationale
Beginning abdominal girth measurements can be useful for monitoring the progression of ascites in a client with liver disease. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.
Choice C rationale

Initiating antibiotic therapy is the correct intervention in this case. The client’s symptoms and the high polymorphonuclear leukocyte count in the ascitic fluid suggest spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, a serious complication of cirrhosis that requires immediate antibiotic treatment.
Choice D rationale
Assessing neurological status is important in clients with liver disease, as they are at risk for hepatic encephalopathy. However, in this scenario, the priority is to treat the potential infection indicated by the client’s symptoms and lab results.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Using a cushion when sitting can provide comfort but does not directly address the client’s electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, or weight gain.
Choice B rationale

Offering a high protein diet can be beneficial for clients with hepatic failure to support liver regeneration and prevent malnutrition. However, it does not directly address the client’s immediate issues.
Choice C rationale
Providing only distilled water does not address the client’s electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, or weight gain. In fact, it could potentially exacerbate electrolyte imbalances.
Choice D rationale
Documenting abdominal girth can help monitor for fluid accumulation (ascites), a common complication of hepatic failure that can contribute to weight gain and elevated blood pressure.

A. Activate the synchronization mode. B. Choose a monitor lead with a tall R wave. C. Administer the prescribed sedative. D. Verify the prothrombin time (PT).

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Activating the synchronization mode is important during cardioversion to avoid delivering a shock during the vulnerable period of cardiac repolarization, which could potentially cause a life-threatening arrhythmia. However, it is not the most crucial action.
Choice B rationale
Choosing a monitor lead with a tall R wave can help ensure that the cardioverter-defibrillator can sense the patient’s intrinsic cardiac activity. However, this is not the most crucial action.
Choice C rationale
Administering the prescribed sedative is the most crucial action before initiating cardioversion. Sedation is necessary to ensure patient comfort and cooperation during the procedure, as cardioversion can be painful.
Choice D rationale

Verifying the prothrombin time (PT) is important in patients receiving anticoagulation therapy, as atrial fibrillation increases the risk of thrombus formation. However, it is not the most crucial action before initiating cardioversion.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with hepatic failure has an electrolyte imbalance, elevated blood pressure, and a weight gain of 4.4 lbs (2 kg) in 24 hours. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient with pancreatic cancer develops ascites, and 2 liters of fluid are removed via paracentesis. What schedule should the nurse follow to monitor the patient’s blood pressure after this procedure?

Upon entering a patient’s room to administer an IV antibiotic at 0900, the nurse discovers that the patient is engaged in sexual activity with a visitor. What should be the nurse’s course of action?

When formulating a nursing care plan for a client diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which nursing problem should be given the highest priority?

The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports that a client’s blood pressure cannot be measured in the arms because the client has casts on both arms and is unable to be measured in the legs because the client is in the supine position. Which action should the nurse implement?

In the context of caring for a client diagnosed with psoriasis, which action by the nurse would address the client’s psychosocial need for acceptance?

The nurse instructs an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to turn an immobilized older client with an indwelling urinary catheter every two hours. What additional action should the nurse instruct the UAP to perform each time the client is turned?