What is the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy (from chronic liver disease)?

Decreased cerebral blood flow

Impaired ammonia metabolism

Hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice

Fluid and electrolyte imbalances

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:
While decreased cerebral blood flow can contribute to various neurological conditions, it is not the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy is primarily associated with liver dysfunction rather than cerebrovascular issues. Thus, this choice is incorrect.
Choice B reason:
Impaired ammonia metabolism is the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy. When the liver is unable to adequately convert ammonia to urea due to chronic liver disease, ammonia accumulates in the bloodstream. This leads to toxic effects on the brain, resulting in the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, this choice accurately reflects the underlying pathophysiology of the condition.
Choice C reason:
Hyperbilirubinemia and jaundice are common in liver disease but are not the primary causes of hepatic encephalopathy. These conditions result from impaired bilirubin metabolism and do not directly lead to the neurological manifestations seen in hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice D reason:
Fluid and electrolyte imbalances can occur with chronic liver disease but are not the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy. While they may exacerbate the condition, the main issue is the accumulation of ammonia due to impaired liver function. Hence, this choice is incorrect.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
As mentioned earlier, infusion reactions are common with Amphotericin B, including symptoms like fever and chills. Therefore, recognizing that these reactions occur is correct and indicates a proper understanding of the medication's effects.
Choice B reason:
Rapid administration of Amphotericin B is incorrect because it increases the risk of severe side effects. The infusion should be slow to ensure patient safety, indicating that the student needs further teaching on this point. Thus, this choice is incorrect and suggests a misunderstanding.
Choice C reason:
Frequent rotation of the IV site or the use of a central line is standard practice to minimize the risk of phlebitis. This practice is correct and shows that the student understands how to manage the complications associated with Amphotericin B infusion.
Choice D reason:
Amphotericin B's primary use is to treat systemic fungal infections. This is a correct statement, reflecting an accurate understanding of the drug's purpose and does not require further teaching.

A. Stenosis B. Regurgitation C. Insufficiency D. Incompetence

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Stenosis is characterized by the constriction and narrowing of the valve opening, which causes the valve leaflets to fail to open completely. This condition restricts blood flow through the valve, leading to increased pressure in the heart and reduced blood flow to the body or lungs, depending on which valve is affected.

Choice B reason:
Regurgitation refers to the condition where the valve does not close properly, allowing blood to flow backward. This is different from stenosis, where the valve opening is narrowed and does not allow sufficient blood flow forward.

Choice C reason:
Insufficiency is another term for regurgitation and involves the backward flow of blood due to improper closure of the valve. It does not describe the condition where the valve opening is narrowed and restricts forward blood flow.

Choice D reason:
Incompetence also refers to the inability of the valve to close properly, leading to regurgitation. It is not used to describe the narrowing of the valve opening, which is the defining characteristic of stenosis.

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What is the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy (from chronic liver disease)?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is discussing intravenous Amphotericin B treatment with a nursing student who is about to care for a patient with a systemic fungal infection. Which statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Which valvular condition is characterized by the valve opening being constricted and narrowed, causing the valve leaflets, or cusps, to fail to open completely?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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