Nokea
When caring for a client with hepatic encephalopathy, why is a low-protein diet recommended by the nurse?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Increased ammonia levels
- D. Electrolyte imbalance
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased ammonia levels. In hepatic encephalopathy, the liver is unable to metabolize ammonia into urea, leading to increased ammonia levels in the blood. A low-protein diet helps reduce ammonia production in the gut, thereby decreasing ammonia levels in the blood and improving symptoms. Hyperglycemia (A) and hypoglycemia (B) are not directly related to the rationale for a low-protein diet in hepatic encephalopathy. Electrolyte imbalance (D) is not specifically addressed by a low-protein diet in this context.
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A patient who is receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer develops thrombocytopenia. What should the nurse include in the care plan?
- A. Encourage light exercise.
- B. Avoid intramuscular injections.
- C. Do not administer aspirin.
- D. Use a soft toothbrush for oral care.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Avoid intramuscular injections. Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by low platelet count, which can lead to impaired blood clotting. Intramuscular injections can cause bleeding and bruising due to the decreased ability of blood to clot. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid invasive procedures like intramuscular injections to prevent excessive bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia. Encouraging light exercise (choice A) can be beneficial for overall health but may not directly address the risk of bleeding. Avoiding aspirin (choice C) is important as it can further increase the risk of bleeding. Using a soft toothbrush for oral care (choice D) is a good practice, but it does not directly address the risk associated with intramuscular injections in patients with thrombocytopenia.
What is the primary cause of jaundice in a client with liver cirrhosis?
- A. Decreased bile production
- B. Increased bilirubin levels
- C. Hepatic inflammation
- D. Portal hypertension
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary cause of jaundice in a client with liver cirrhosis is increased bilirubin levels. Liver cirrhosis impairs the liver's ability to process bilirubin, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. This excess bilirubin then causes the yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes characteristic of jaundice.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Decreased bile production is not the primary cause of jaundice in liver cirrhosis. While decreased bile flow may contribute to jaundice, it is secondary to the impaired bilirubin processing.
C: Hepatic inflammation is a common feature of liver cirrhosis but is not the direct cause of jaundice in this context.
D: Portal hypertension is a complication of liver cirrhosis but is not the primary cause of jaundice.
When providing dietary instructions to a client with cirrhosis, which dietary restriction is important for the nurse to emphasize?
- A. Low-protein diet
- B. Low-sodium diet
- C. High-fiber diet
- D. High-calcium diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Correct answer is B (Low-sodium diet) for cirrhosis because sodium can worsen fluid retention and increase ascites. A (Low-protein diet) is not necessary unless hepatic encephalopathy is present. C (High-fiber diet) can help with constipation but not a primary concern. D (High-calcium diet) is not a priority for cirrhosis management.
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What should the nurse include in the patient teaching?
- A. Take folic acid supplements as prescribed.
- B. Avoid alcohol completely.
- C. Expect to see immediate results.
- D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take folic acid supplements as prescribed. Methotrexate can lead to folic acid deficiency, so supplementing with folic acid helps prevent side effects. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient on the importance of taking folic acid to maintain overall health.
Choice B is incorrect. While it is generally recommended to limit alcohol consumption with methotrexate, avoiding it completely may not be necessary for all patients.
Choice C is incorrect. Methotrexate takes time to work, often several weeks to months, so immediate results should not be expected.
Choice D is incorrect. Limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day is not a standard recommendation for patients taking methotrexate. Adequate hydration is important for overall health.
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.