The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and notes that there is documentation of the presence of asterixis. How should the nurse assess for its presence?
Measure the abdominal girth
Have the client extend their arms
Have the client flex and extend their foot
Ask the client to walk heel to toe
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: Measuring the abdominal girth is not related to asterixis, which is a tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended. It may indicate ascites, which is a complication of cirrhosis, but not asterixis.
Choice B Reason: This is the correct choice. Asterixis is a flapping tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended, sometimes said to resemble a bird flapping its wings. It is caused by abnormal function of the diencephalic motor centers that regulate the muscles involved in maintaining posture. It is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a neuropsychiatric disorder that occurs in patients with liver disease.
Choice C Reason: Having the client flex and extend their foot is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for ankle clonus, which is a rhythmic contraction of the calf muscles when the foot is dorsiflexed. It indicates an upper motor neuron lesion, but not hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D Reason: Asking the client to walk heel to toe is not related to asterixis, which affects the hand and wrist. It may test for balance and coordination, which can be impaired in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, but it is not a specific sign of asterixis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have reduced vision and an increased risk of falling with a patch on one eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should reassure the client, provide assistance with mobility, and educate the client on safety measures.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have some itching and discomfort in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should commend the client for not rubbing the eye, as this can cause infection or damage to the surgical site. The nurse should also administer anti-inflammatory eye drops as prescribed and instruct the client on how to apply them.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because this comment does not require reporting to the client's provider. It is normal to have increased sensitivity to light in the eye after cataract surgery. The nurse should dim the lights in the room, provide sunglasses or a shield for the eye, and educate the client on how to protect the eye from bright light.
Choice D reason: This is the correct answer because this comment requires reporting to the client's provider. Severe pain in the eye after cataract surgery can indicate a complication such as infection, inflammation, bleeding, or increased intraocular pressure. The nurse should assess the eye for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding, and report the findings and the pain level to the provider. The nurse should also administer analgesics as prescribed and monitor the pain relief.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is correct because resuming a functional role in society is the ultimate goal for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. The rehabilitative phase begins when wound healing is complete and lasts until physical and psychosocial recovery is achieved. The nurse should help the client regain independence, self-esteem, and quality of life by providing education, counseling, referrals, and resources.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because pain management is not a goal, but an intervention for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. Pain management is important throughout all phases of burn care, but especially during wound healing and scar formation, which can cause itching, tightness, or hypersensitivity. The nurse should assess the client's pain level and administer analgesics, antipruritics, or moisturizers as ordered.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because providing continued full support to the client is not a goal, but an intervention for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. Providing continued full support to the client can help them cope with physical and emotional challenges, such as scarring, disfigurement, disability, or depression. The nurse should provide emotional support, active listening, positive feedback, and encouragement to the client.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because preventing infection is not a goal, but an intervention for a client in the rehabilitative phase of a burn injury. Preventing infection is crucial during wound healing and grafting, which can be compromised by bacterial colonization or contamination. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, wound appearance, and laboratory results, and administer antibiotics or antiseptics as ordered.
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