Which measurement would provide the most specific information about the outcome of a paracentesis for a patient who has ascites?
Intake and output
Abdominal girth
Blood pressure
Cardiac output
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Intake and output are important for overall fluid balance but do not directly measure the reduction in ascites after a paracentesis.
Choice B reason: Measuring abdominal girth provides a direct and specific indication of the volume of fluid removed from the peritoneal cavity. A decrease in abdominal girth indicates that the procedure effectively reduced the ascites.
Choice C reason: Blood pressure can be influenced by many factors and does not specifically measure the outcome of a paracentesis.
Choice D reason: Cardiac output is related to heart function and is not a direct measure of the success of a paracentesis in removing ascitic fluid.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Monitoring bowel sounds is important for assessing gastrointestinal function, but it does not directly measure the effectiveness of lactulose in treating hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B reason: Temperature monitoring is essential for detecting infection, but it does not indicate the effectiveness of lactulose in reducing ammonia levels.
Choice C reason: Abdominal pain should be monitored as a potential side effect of lactulose, but it is not an indicator of its effectiveness in treating hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D reason: Stool frequency is the correct measure for monitoring the effectiveness of lactulose. Lactulose works by promoting the excretion of ammonia in the stool, thereby reducing serum ammonia levels and improving the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy. Increased stool frequency indicates the medication is working.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: An increased prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is primarily indicative of prostatic conditions, including prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis. It is an important marker used in the screening and monitoring of prostate cancer.
Choice B reason: Colon cancer does not typically result in elevated PSA levels. Instead, colon cancer is often associated with markers like carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). PSA is specific to prostate tissue, and its elevation is not related to colon cancer.
Choice C reason: Liver cancer is not associated with increased PSA levels. Liver function tests, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and imaging studies are more relevant in the diagnosis and monitoring of liver cancer. PSA levels do not provide information about liver cancer.
Choice D reason: Breast cancer does not affect PSA levels. Breast cancer markers include CA 15-3, CA 27.29, and others specific to breast tissue. PSA is a prostate-specific marker and is not used in the context of breast cancer diagnosis or monitoring.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.