Nokea
What is the primary goal of care for a client experiencing esophageal varices secondary to liver cirrhosis?
- A. Preventing infection
- B. Controlling bleeding
- C. Reducing portal hypertension
- D. Maintaining nutritional status
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary goal of care for a client with esophageal varices secondary to liver cirrhosis is to control bleeding. This is because esophageal varices can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage. By controlling bleeding, we can prevent severe complications and potentially save the client's life. Preventing infection (Choice A) is important but not the primary goal in this case. Reducing portal hypertension (Choice C) is a long-term goal and may help prevent variceal bleeding in the future, but it is not the immediate priority. Maintaining nutritional status (Choice D) is important for overall health but is not the primary goal when managing acute bleeding from esophageal varices.
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A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. What symptom should the nurse expect to find during the assessment?
- A. Joint pain
- B. Muscle weakness
- C. Loss of sensation
- D. Severe headache
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Muscle weakness. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by muscle weakness due to an autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to impaired muscle contraction and weakness, especially in the face, neck, and extremities. Joint pain (A) is not a typical symptom of myasthenia gravis. Loss of sensation (C) is more indicative of a sensory nerve disorder rather than a motor disorder like myasthenia gravis. Severe headache (D) is not a common symptom of myasthenia gravis; it is more likely to be associated with other conditions such as migraines or intracranial pathology.
A patient with severe anemia is prescribed erythropoietin. What is the primary action of this medication?
- A. Stimulate white blood cell production
- B. Increase platelet count
- C. Promote red blood cell production
- D. Enhance clotting factor production
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Promote red blood cell production. Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells, helping to treat anemia. It does not stimulate white blood cell production (A), increase platelet count (B), or enhance clotting factor production (D). White blood cells are involved in the immune response, platelets are responsible for clotting, and clotting factors are proteins involved in the blood clotting process. Therefore, the primary action of erythropoietin is to specifically target red blood cell production to address anemia.
The patient has a calcium level of 12.1 mg/dL. Which nursing action should the nurse include on the care plan?
- A. Maintain the patient on bed rest.
- B. Auscultate lung sounds every 4 hours.
- C. Monitor for Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs.
- D. Encourage fluid intake up to 4000 mL every day.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Encourage fluid intake up to 4000 mL every day. High calcium levels can lead to dehydration, so encouraging fluid intake helps prevent this complication. Increased fluid intake also promotes calcium excretion through urine. Bed rest (A) is not directly related to managing high calcium levels. Auscultating lung sounds (B) every 4 hours is more relevant for respiratory issues. Monitoring for Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs (C) is associated with low calcium levels, not high levels.
What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to help alleviate severe abdominal pain in a patient with acute pancreatitis?
- A. Encourage oral intake of clear fluids.
- B. Place the patient in a supine position.
- C. Administer prescribed opioid analgesics.
- D. Apply a heating pad to the abdomen.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, administering prescribed opioid analgesics. This intervention is appropriate for severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis as opioids are effective in managing pain. Encouraging oral intake (A) can worsen symptoms, a supine position (B) can exacerbate pain, and a heating pad (D) can aggravate inflammation. Administering opioid analgesics provides direct pain relief and is the most effective intervention for alleviating severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis.
A client with liver cirrhosis is being educated about managing their condition. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will avoid drinking alcohol
- B. I need to limit my salt intake
- C. I can take acetaminophen for pain
- D. I should eat a balanced diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I can take acetaminophen for pain." Acetaminophen can be harmful to the liver, especially in individuals with liver cirrhosis. The liver is responsible for metabolizing acetaminophen, and in cirrhosis, its function is impaired, leading to potential toxicity. Choice A is correct as alcohol can worsen liver damage. Choice B is correct as excess salt can lead to fluid retention and complications. Choice D is correct as a balanced diet is important for overall health. Therefore, the statement about taking acetaminophen indicates a need for further teaching.