Nokea
A nurse cares for a client who is prescribed lactulose (Heptalac). The client states, 'I do not want to take this medication because it causes diarrhea.' How should the nurse respond?
- A. Diarrhea is expected; that's how your body gets rid of ammonia.
- B. You may take Kaopectate liquid daily for loose stools.
- C. Do not take any more of the medication until your stools firm up.
- D. We will need to send a stool specimen to the laboratory.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The purpose of administering lactulose to this client is to help ammonia leave the circulatory system through the colon. Lactulose draws water into the bowel with its high osmotic gradient, thereby producing a laxative effect and subsequently evacuating ammonia from the bowel. The client must understand that this is an expected therapeutic effect for him or her to remain compliant. The nurse should not suggest administering anything that would decrease the excretion of ammonia or holding the medication. There is no need to send a stool specimen to the laboratory because diarrhea is the therapeutic response to this medication.
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A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a paracentesis 1 hour ago. Which assessment finding requires action by the nurse?
- A. Urine output via indwelling urinary catheter is 20 mL/hr.
- B. Blood pressure increases from 120/80 mm Hg to 140/90 mm Hg.
- C. Respiratory rate decreases from 18 to 14 breaths/min.
- D. A decrease in the clients weight by 6 kg
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rapid removal of ascitic fluid causes decreased abdominal pressure, which can contribute to hypovolemia. This can be manifested by a decrease in urine output to below 30 mL/hr. A slight increase in systolic blood pressure is insignificant. A decrease in respiratory rate indicates that breathing has been made easier by the procedure. The nurse would expect the clients weight to drop as fluid is removed. Six kilograms is less than 3 pounds and is expected.
After teaching a client who has alcohol-induced cirrhosis, a nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for additional teaching?
- A. I cannot drink any alcohol at all anymore.
- B. I need to avoid protein in my diet.
- C. I should not take over-the-counter medications.
- D. I should not take any prescription medications.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Based on the degree of liver involvement and decreased function, protein intake may have to be decreased. However, some protein is necessary for the synthesis of albumin and normal healing. The other statements indicate accurate understanding of self-care measures for this client.
An infection control nurse develops a plan to decrease the number of health care professionals who contract viral hepatitis at work. Which ideas should the nurse include in this plan? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Policies related to consistent use of Standard Precautions
- B. Hepatitis vaccination mandate for workers in high-risk areas
- C. Implementation of a needleless system for intravenous therapy
- D. Hepatitis B immunity in clients at risk for hepatitis B
- E. Postexposure prophylaxis provided in a timely manner
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: Nurses should always use Standard Precautions for client care, and policies should reflect this. Needleless systems and reduction of sharps can help prevent hepatitis. Postexposure prophylaxis should be provided in a timely manner. Hepatitis B immunity in clients does not protect healthcare workers, but ensuring worker immunity through vaccination is critical.
A nurse obtains a clients health history at a community health clinic. Which statement alerts the nurse to a possible health threat to the client?
- A. I drink two glasses of red wine each week.
- B. I take a lot of Tylenol for my arthritis pain.
- C. I have a cousin who died of liver cancer.
- D. I got a hepatitis vaccine before traveling.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver damage if taken in large amounts. Clients should be taught not to exceed 4000 mg/day of acetaminophen. The nurse should teach the client about this limitation and should explain other drug options with the client to manage his or her arthritis pain. Two glasses of wine each week, a cousin with liver cancer, and the hepatitis vaccine do not place the client at risk for a liver disorder, and therefore do not require any health teaching.
A nurse assesses clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client is at greatest risk for the development of carcinoma of the liver?
- A. A 25-year-old with a history of blunt liver trauma
- B. A 48-year-old with a history of diabetes mellitus
- C. A 30-year-old who has a history of cirrhosis
- D. An 82-year-old who has chronic malnutrition
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The risk of contracting a primary carcinoma of the liver is higher in clients with cirrhosis from any cause. Blunt liver trauma, diabetes mellitus, and chronic malnutrition do not increase a person's risk for developing liver cancer.