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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because allergies are not a risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus. Allergies are hypersensitive reactions of the immune system to certain substances, such as pollen, dust, or food. They can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or hives, but they do not affect the esophagus or stomach acid.
Choice B reason: This is the correct answer because gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) is the most common risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus. GERD is a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) does not close properly and allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. This can cause inflammation, irritation, and damage to the esophageal lining. Over time, this can lead to changes in the cells of the esophagus, which is called Barrett's esophagus.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because being a vegetarian is not a risk factor for developing Barrett's esophagus. Being a vegetarian means avoiding meat and animal products in the diet. This can have health benefits such as lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, but it does not affect the esophagus or stomach acid.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because Barrett's esophagus is not a genetic condition that one is born with. Barrett's esophagus is an acquired condition that results from chronic exposure to stomach acid in the esophagus. It is not inherited from one's parents or passed on to one's children.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is correct because the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score is 9. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a tool that assesses the level of consciousness of a patient with a head injury by measuring three parameters: eye opening, verbal response, and motor response. The patient's eye opening score is 3 (opens eyes to verbal command), verbal response score is 4 (confused speech), and motor response score is 2 (withdraws from pain). The total score is the sum of these three scores, which is 9.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score is not 11. To get a score of 11, the patient would need to have a higher motor response score, such as 4 (withdraws to touch) or 5 (localizes to pain).
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score is not 15. To get a score of 15, the patient would need to have the highest scores for all three parameters, such as 4 (opens eyes spontaneously), 5 (oriented speech), and 6 (obeys commands).
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score is not 13. To get a score of 13, the patient would need to have a higher verbal response score, such as 5 (oriented speech).
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