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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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is Choice D.

Brief Introduction This scenario requires applying knowledge of chest tube dynamics and respiratory physiology during patient positioning. Sudden dyspnea in a patient with a hemopneumothorax indicates a potential obstruction in the drainage system, necessitating immediate troubleshooting of the tubing to ensure lung re-expansion and prevent tension pneumothorax or fluid accumulation.

Choice A rationale: Reinforcing the connection with tape is a preventive measure to maintain system integrity. However, it does not address the immediate cause of sudden acute respiratory distress following a position change, which is more likely related to a mechanical obstruction in the tubing rather than a connection failure.

Choice B rationale: Clamping a chest tube is generally contraindicated as it can rapidly lead to a tension pneumothorax by preventing the escape of air and fluid from the pleural space. This action would likely worsen the patient's anxiety and shortness of breath by increasing intrapleural pressure.

Choice C rationale: An occlusive dressing is only applied if the chest tube is accidentally dislodged from the insertion site. Since the scenario implies the tube is still in place but the patient became symptomatic during a turn, applying a dressing over an intact tube is an incorrect intervention.

Choice D rationale: Turning a patient can cause the chest tubing to kink or create dependent loops that trap fluid. This obstruction prevents the drainage of air and blood, leading to sudden respiratory distress. Ensuring the tubing is patent and straight is the immediate priority to restore proper pleural suction.

A. Ensure that the infant’s crib mattress is firm. B. Prop the infant with a pillow when in a side-lying position. C. Swaddle the infant in a blanket for sleeping. D. Place the infant in a prone position whenever possible.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

A firm crib mattress is crucial in reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Soft surfaces can conform to the infant’s face and potentially block their airway, leading to suffocation.

Choice B rationale

Propping the infant with a pillow when in a side-lying position is not recommended as it increases the risk of SIDS. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep.

Choice C rationale

Swaddling the infant in a blanket for sleeping is not the most important measure to prevent SIDS. Overheating and loose bedding are risk factors for SIDS23.

Choice D rationale

Placing the infant in a prone position whenever possible is not recommended. Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS23.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a right hemopneumothorax has a chest tube connected to suction. While turning to the left side, the client becomes suddenly short of breath and anxious. What should the nurse do next?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is planning to teach infant care and preventive measures for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) to a group of new parents. Which information is most important for the nurse to include?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse inspects the airway and finds no visible trauma, and the airway appears to be patent. What other assessment items are included in the primary survey? Select all that apply.

The nurse is educating a patient who was admitted with a blood glucose level of 580 mg/dL on how to prevent complications related to diabetes mellitus. Which statement, if made by the patient, would indicate that they have understood the teaching?

An adolescent patient with a non-union of a comminuted fracture of the tibia is admitted with osteomyelitis. After the healthcare provider collects bone aspirate specimens for culture and sensitivity and applies a cast to the adolescent’s lower leg, what should the nurse do next?

An adult patient visits the clinic expressing concern about a lump that appeared on their neck about a week ago. Upon examination, the nurse finds a large, non-tender, hardened left subclavian lymph node without any overlying tissue inflammation. What could these findings indicate?