A 55-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. Imaging shows dilated intrahepatic bile ducts and a normal common bile duct. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Primary biliary cirrhosis
- B. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- C. Gallstones
- D. Pancreatic cancer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis is A: Primary biliary cirrhosis. This is supported by the patient's symptoms of fatigue, pruritus, jaundice, elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, and dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune liver disease that primarily affects middle-aged women, leading to destruction of intrahejson hepatic bile ducts. The normal common bile duct rules out obstruction from gallstones or pancreatic cancer. Primary sclerosing cholangitis typically presents with strictures in the bile ducts, which is not seen in this case. Therefore, the combination of symptoms, lab findings, and imaging results point towards primary biliary cirrhosis as the most likely diagnosis.
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Your patient has an order to receive Levothyroxine Sodium 75 mcg daily IV. You have a vial containing 100 mcg available from the pharmacy. According to the package insert, 5 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride is needed to reconstitute. You add the appropriate amount of sodium chloride to the vial. How many mcg of medication are in 1 mL of the vial?
- A. 20 mcg
- B. 15 mcg
- C. 25 mcg
- D. 30 mcg
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 20 mcg. To determine the amount of medication in 1 mL of the vial, you first need to reconstitute the vial with 5 mL of sodium chloride. This will result in a total of 100 mcg of Levothyroxine Sodium in the vial. To find out how much medication is in 1 mL, you divide the total amount by the volume of the vial (100 mcg / 5 mL = 20 mcg/mL). Therefore, there are 20 mcg of medication in 1 mL of the vial.
Choice B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately calculate the amount of medication in 1 mL of the vial based on the given information and the reconstitution process.
What assessments should the nurse prioritize for a client with portal hypertension admitted to the medical floor?
- A. Assessment of blood pressure and evaluation for headaches and visual changes
- B. Assessment for signs and symptoms of venous thromboembolism
- C. Daily weights and measurement of abdominal girth
- D. Monitoring blood glucose every 4 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Daily weights and measurement of abdominal girth. Portal hypertension can lead to fluid retention and ascites, causing weight gain and abdominal distension. Monitoring these parameters helps assess fluid status and effectiveness of treatment.
A: Assessment of blood pressure and evaluation for headaches and visual changes is not a priority as they are not directly related to portal hypertension.
B: Assessment for signs and symptoms of venous thromboembolism is not a priority in this case unless there are specific risk factors present.
D: Monitoring blood glucose every 4 hours is not directly related to portal hypertension and is not a priority in this scenario.
A client who is acutely ill has vigilant oral care included in their plan of care. What factor increases this client's risk for dental caries?
- A. Hormonal changes induced by the stress response leading to an acidic oral environment
- B. Systemic infections commonly affecting the teeth
- C. Intravenous hydration lacking fluoride
- D. Inadequate nutrition and reduced saliva production contributing to cavities
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because inadequate nutrition and reduced saliva production contribute to cavities. In acute illness, the client may not be able to consume a balanced diet, leading to nutrient deficiencies that weaken teeth. Reduced saliva flow decreases the mouth's ability to naturally clean and protect teeth. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because hormonal changes from stress do not directly lead to acidic oral environment, systemic infections do not commonly affect teeth, and lack of fluoride from intravenous hydration is not a primary factor for dental caries.
A client with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes is preparing for discharge. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will take my insulin shots only when my blood sugar is high
- B. I need to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly
- C. I should monitor my blood sugar levels regularly
- D. I need to take my medication as prescribed by my doctor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because insulin shots are not only taken when blood sugar is high in type 2 diabetes. Insulin therapy may be prescribed by the doctor to be taken at specific times regardless of blood sugar levels to manage the condition effectively. Choice B is correct as it emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications in managing diabetes. Choice C is correct as monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial for managing diabetes. Choice D is correct as adherence to prescribed medication is essential in controlling blood sugar levels.
A client has developed hepatic encephalopathy secondary to cirrhosis and is receiving care on the medical unit. The client's current medication regimen includes lactulose four times daily. What desired outcome should the nurse relate to this pharmacologic intervention?
- A. Two to three soft bowel movements daily
- B. Significant increase in appetite and food intake
- C. Absence of nausea and vomiting
- D. Absence of blood or mucus in stool
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Two to three soft bowel movements daily. Lactulose is a laxative commonly used to manage hepatic encephalopathy by reducing ammonia levels through promoting bowel movements. The desired outcome of this medication is to prevent the buildup of ammonia in the bloodstream, which can exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy. Soft bowel movements indicate that the medication is effectively promoting bowel motility and reducing ammonia levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as lactulose is not directly associated with increasing appetite, resolving nausea and vomiting, or eliminating blood or mucus in the stool in this context.