Cirrhosis
A client reporting shortness of breath is admitted with a diagnosis of cirrhosis. A nursing assessment reveals an enlarged abdomen with striae, an umbilical hernia, and 4+ pitting edema of the feet and legs. What is the most important data for the nurse to monitor? Temperature Albumin Hemoglobin Bilirubin
Albumin With the movement of albumin from the serum to the peritoneal cavity, the osmotic pressure of the serum decreases. This, combined with increased portal pressure, results in movement of fluid into the peritoneal cavity. The low oncotic pressure caused by hypoalbuminemia is a major pathophysiologic factor in the development of ascites and edema.
Which liver function study is used to show the size of the liver and hepatic blood flow and obstruction? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Angiography Radioisotope liver scan Electroencephalography (EEG)
Radioisotope liver scan A radioisotope liver scan assesses liver size and hepatic blood flow and obstruction. MRI is used to identify normal structures and abnormalities of the liver and biliary tree. Angiography is used to visualize hepatic circulation and detect the presence and nature of hepatic masses. EEG is used to detect abnormalities that occur with hepatic coma.
A client with liver and renal failure has severe ascites. On initial shift rounds, his primary nurse finds his indwelling urinary catheter collection bag too full to store more urine. The nurse empties more than 2,000 ml from the collection bag. One hour later, she finds the collection bag full again. The nurse notifies the physician, who suspects that a bladder rupture is allowing the drainage of peritoneal fluid. The physician orders a urinalysis to be obtained immediately. The presence of which substance is considered abnormal? Creatinine Urobilinogen Chloride Albumin
Albumin Albumin is an abnormal finding in a routine urine specimen. Ascites present in liver failure contain albumin; therefore, if the bladder ruptured, ascites containing albumin would drain from the indwelling urinary catheter because the catheter is no longer contained in the bladder. Creatinine, urobilinogen, and chloride are normally found in urine.
A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. The nurse assesses the client at noon and discovers that the client is difficult to arouse and has an elevated serum ammonia level. The nurse should suspect which situation? The client's hepatic function is decreasing. The client didn't take his morning dose of lactulose (Cephulac). The client is relaxed and not in pain. The client is avoiding the nurse.
The client's hepatic function is decreasing. The decreased level of consciousness caused by an increased serum ammonia level indicates hepatic disfunction. If the client didn't take his morning dose of lactulose, he wouldn't have elevated ammonia levels and decreased level of consciousness this soon. These assessment findings don't indicate that the client is relaxed or avoiding the nurse.
An important message for any nurse to communicate is that drug-induced hepatitis is a major cause of acute liver failure. The medication that is the leading cause is: Acetaminophen Ibuprofen Dextromethorphan Benadryl
Acetaminophen Although any medication can affect liver function, use of acetaminophen (found in many over-the-counter medications used to treat fever and pain) has been identified as the leading cause of acute liver failure. Other medications commonly associated with liver injury include anesthetic agents, medications used to treat rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease, antidepressants, psychotropic medications, anticonvulsants, and antituberculosis agents.
When caring for a client with advanced cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately? Weight loss of 2 pounds in 3 days Change in the client's handwriting and/or cognitive performance Anorexia for more than 3 days Constipation for more than 2 days
Change in the client's handwriting and/or cognitive performance The earliest symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy include mental status changes and motor disturbances. The client will appear confused and unkempt and have altered mood and sleep patterns. Neurologic status should be assessed frequently. Mental status is monitored by the nurse keeping the client's daily record of handwriting and arithmetic performance. The nurse should report any change in mental status immediately. Chronic fatigue, anorexia, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea or constipation with accompanying weight loss are regular symptoms of cirrhosis.
A client and spouse are visiting the clinic. The client recently experienced a seizure and says she has been having difficulty writing. Before the seizure, the client says that for several weeks she was sleeping late into the day but having restlessness and insomnia at night. The client's husband says that he has noticed the client has been moody and slightly confused. Which of the following problems is most consistent with the client's clinical manifestations? Hepatic encephalopathy Esophageal varices Hepatitis C Portal hypertension
Hepatic encephalopathy The earliest symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy include minor mental changes and motor disturbances. The client appears slightly confused and unkempt and has alterations in mood and sleep patterns. The client tends to sleep during the day and have restlessness and insomnia at night. As hepatic encephalopathy progresses, the client may become difficult to awaken and completely disoriented with respect to time and place. With further progression, the client lapses into frank coma and may have seizures. Simple tasks, such as handwriting, become difficult.
When caring for a client with cirrhosis, which symptoms should a nurse report immediately? Select all that apply. change in mental status signs of GI bleeding anorexia and dyspepsia diarrhea or constipation
change in mental status signs of GI bleeding
The assessment of a client admitted with increased ascites related to cirrhosis reveals the following: pulse 86 beats per minute and weak, respirations 28 breaths per minute, blood pressure 130/88 mm Hg, and pulse oximetry 90%. Which nursing diagnosis should receive top priority? Fatigue Excess fluid volume Ineffective breathing pattern Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
Ineffective breathing pattern In ascites, accumulation of large amounts of fluid causes extreme abdominal distention, which may put pressure on the diaphragm and interfere with respiration. If uncorrected, this problem may lead to atelectasis or pneumonia. Although fluid volume excess is present, the respiratory rate and low oxygen saturation would indicate the diagnosis Ineffective breathing pattern takes precedence because it can lead more quickly to life-threatening consequences. The nurse can deal with fatigue and altered nutrition after the client establishes and maintains an effective breathing pattern.
A client with end-stage liver disease is scheduled to undergo a liver transplant. The client tells the nurse, "I am worried that my body will reject the liver." Which statement is the nurse's best response to the client? "You will need to take daily medication to prevent rejection of the transplanted liver. The new liver has a good chance of survival with the use of these drugs." "You would not be scheduled for a transplant if there was a concern about rejection." "The problem of rejection is not as common in liver transplants as in other organ transplants." "It is easier to get a good tissue match with liver transplants than with other types of transplants."
"You will need to take daily medication to prevent rejection of the transplanted liver. The new liver has a good chance of survival with the use of these drugs." Rejection is a primary concern. A transplanted liver is perceived by the immune system as a foreign antigen. This triggers an immune response, leading to the activation of T lymphocytes that attack and destroy the transplanted liver. Immunosuppressive agents are used as long-term therapy to prevent this response and rejection of the transplanted liver. These agents inhibit the activation of immunocompetent T lymphocytes to prevent the production of effector T cells. Although the 1- and 5-year survival rates have increased dramatically with the use of new immunosuppressive therapies, these advances are not without major side effects. The other statements are inaccurate or will not decrease the client's anxiety.
While conducting a physical examination of a client, which of the following skin findings would alert the nurse to the liklihood of liver problems? Select all that apply. Jaundice Petechiae Ecchymoses Cyanosis of the lips Aphthous stomatitis
Jaundice Petechiae Ecchymoses The skin, mucosa, and sclerae are inspected for jaundice. The nurse observes the skin for petechiae or ecchymotic areas (bruises), spider angiomas, and palmar erythema. Cyanosis of the lips is indicative of a problem with respiratory or cardiovascular dysfunction. Aphthous stomatitis is a term for mouth ulcers and is a gastrointestinal abnormal finding.
The nurse is caring for a client who has ascites as a result of hepatic dysfunction. What intervention can the nurse provide to determine if the ascites is increasing? Select all that apply. Measure urine output every 8 hours. Assess and document vital signs every 4 hours. Measure abdominal girth daily. Perform daily weights. Monitor number of bowel movements per day.
Measure urine output every 8 hours. Measure abdominal girth daily. Perform daily weights. Increased abdominal girth and rapid weight gain are common presenting symptoms of ascites. If a patient with ascites from liver dysfunction is hospitalized, nursing measures include assessment and documentation of intake and output (I&O), abdominal girth, and daily weight to assess fluid status. The nurse also closely monitors the respiratory status because large volumes of ascites can compress the thoracic cavity and inhibit adequate lung expansion. The nurse monitors serum ammonia, creatinine, and electrolyte levels to assess electrolyte balance, response to therapy, and indications of encephalopathy. Monitoring the number of bowel movements is not required, though the volume would be recorded as part of output.
The nurse is preparing a care plan for a client with hepatic cirrhosis. Which nursing diagnoses are appropriate? Select all that apply. Altered nutrition, more than body requirements, related to decreased activity and bed rest Risk for injury related to altered clotting mechanisms Activity intolerance related to fatigue, general debility, muscle wasting, and discomfort Urinary incontinence related to general debility and muscle wasting Disturbed body image related to changes in appearance, sexual dysfunction, and role function
Risk for injury related to altered clotting mechanisms Activity intolerance related to fatigue, general debility, muscle wasting, and discomfort Disturbed body image related to changes in appearance, sexual dysfunction, and role function Risks for injury, activity intolerance, and disturbed body image are priority nursing diagnoses. The appropriate nursing diagnosis related to nutrition would be altered nutrition, less than body requirements, related to chronic gastritis, decreased gastrointestinal motility, and anorexia. Urinary incontinence is not generally a concern with hepatic cirrhosis.
A client with acute liver failure exhibits confusion, a declining level of consciousness, and slowed respirations. The nurse finds him very difficult to arouse. The diagnostic information which best explains the client's behavior is: elevated liver enzymes and low serum protein level. subnormal serum glucose and elevated serum ammonia levels. subnormal clotting factors and platelet count. elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels and hyperglycemia.
subnormal serum glucose and elevated serum ammonia levels. In acute liver failure, serum ammonia levels increase because the liver can't adequately detoxify the ammonia produced in the GI tract. In addition, serum glucose levels decline because the liver isn't capable of releasing stored glucose. Elevated serum ammonia and subnormal serum glucose levels depress the level of a client's consciousness. Elevated liver enzymes, low serum protein level, subnormal clotting factors and platelet count, elevated blood urea nitrogen and creatine levels, and hyperglycemia aren't as directly related to the client's level of consciousness.
A client is suspected of having cirrhosis of the liver. What diagnostic procedure will the nurse prepare the client for in order to obtain a confirmed diagnosis? A liver biopsy A CT scan A prothrombin time Platelet count
A liver biopsy A liver biopsy, which reveals hepatic fibrosis, is the most conclusive diagnostic procedure. It can be performed in the radiology department with ultrasound or CT to identify appropriate placement of the trocar or biopsy needle. A prothrombin time and platelet count will assist with determining if the client is at increased risk for bleeding.
The nurse is assisting the physician with a procedure to remove ascitic fluid from a client with cirrhosis. What procedure does the nurse ensure the client understands will be performed? Thoracentesis Abdominal paracentesis Abdominal CT scan Upper endoscopy
Abdominal paracentesis Abdominal paracentesis may be performed to remove ascitic fluid. Abdominal fluid is rapidly removed by careful introduction of a needle through the abdominal wall, allowing the fluid to drain. Fluid is removed from the lung via a thoracentesis. Fluid cannot be removed with an abdominal CT scan, but it can assist with placement of the needle. Fluid cannot be removed via an upper endoscopy.
The nurse is caring for a patient with cirrhosis of the liver and observes that the patient is having hand-flapping tremors. What does the nurse document this finding as? Constructional apraxia Fetor hepaticus Ataxia Asterixis
Asterixis Asterixis, an involuntary flapping of the hands, may be seen in stage II encephalopathy (Fig. 49-13).
The nurse is caring for a patient with cirrhosis of the liver and observes that the patient is having hand-flapping tremors. What does the nurse document this finding as? Constructional apraxia Fetor hepaticus Ataxia Asterixis
Asterixis Asterixis, an involuntary flapping of the hands, may be seen in stage II encephalopathy (Fig. 49-13).
When assessing a client with cirrhosis of the liver, which of the following stool characteristics is the client likely to report? Yellow-green Black and tarry Blood tinged Clay-colored or whitish
Clay-colored or whitish Many clients report passing clay-colored or whitish stools as a result of no bile in the gastrointestinal tract. The other stool colors would not be absolute indicators of cirrhosis of the liver but may indicate other GI tract disorders.
A nursing student is reviewing for an upcoming anatomy and physiology examination. Which of the following would the student correctly identify as a function of the liver? Select all that apply. Glucose metabolism Ammonia conversion Protein metabolism Carbohydrate metabolism Zinc storage
Glucose metabolism Ammonia conversion Protein metabolism Functions of the liver include the metabolism of glucose, protein, fat, and drugs; conversion of ammonia; storage of vitamins and iron; formation of bile; and excretion of bilirubin. The liver is not responsible for the metabolism of carbohydrates or the storage of zinc.
Which type of jaundice is the result of increased destruction of red blood cells? Hemolytic Hepatocellular Obstructive Nonobstructive
Hemolytic Hemolytic jaundice is the result of an increased destruction of red blood cells. Hepatocellular jaundice is caused by the inability of damaged liver cells to clear normal amounts of bilirubin from the blood. Obstructive jaundice resulting from extrahepatic obstruction may be caused by occlusion of the bile duct from a gall stone, inflammatory process, tumor, or pressure from an enlarged organ. Nonobstructive jaundice occurs with hepatitis.
A client has an elevated serum ammonia concentration and is exhibiting changes in mental status. The nurse should suspect which condition? Hepatic encephalopathy Portal hypertension Asterixis Cirrhosis
Hepatic encephalopathy Hepatic encephalopathy is a central nervous system dysfunction resulting from liver disease. It is frequently associated with an elevated ammonia concentration that produces changes in mental status, altered level of consciousness, and coma. Portal hypertension is an elevated pressure in the portal circulation resulting from obstruction of venous flow into and through the liver. Asterixis is an involuntary flapping movement of the hands associated with metabolic liver dysfunction.
A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group about hepatitis. Which of the following would the nurse include? Hepatitis B is transmitted primarily by the oral-fecal route. Hepatitis A is frequently spread by sexual contact. Hepatitis C increases a person's risk for liver cancer. Infection with hepatitis G is similar to hepatitis A.
Hepatitis C increases a person's risk for liver cancer. Infection with hepatitis C increases the risk of a person developing hepatic (liver) cancer. Hepatitis A is transmitted primarily by the oral-fecal route; hepatitis B is frequently spread by sexual contact and infected blood. Hepatitis E is similar to hepatitis A whereas hepatitis G is similar to hepatitis C.
A client has developed drug-induced hepatitis from a drug reaction to antidepressants. What treatment does the nurse anticipate the client will receive to treat the reaction? Paracentesis Liver transplantation High-dose corticosteroids Azathioprine
High-dose corticosteroids Drug-induced hepatitis occurs when a drug reaction damages the liver. This form of hepatitis can be severe and fatal. High-dose corticosteroids usually administered first to treat the reaction. Liver transplantation may be necessary. Paracentesis would be used to withdrawal fluid for the treatment of ascites. Azathioprine (Imuran) may be used for autoimmune hepatitis.
Clients diagnosed with esophageal varices are at risk for hemorrhagic shock. Which is a sign of potential hypovolemia? Polyuria Bradycardia Hypotension Warm moist skin
Hypotension Signs of potential hypovolemia include cool, clammy skin; tachycardia; decreased blood pressure; and decreased urine output.
When performing a physical examination on a client with cirrhosis, a nurse notices that the client's abdomen is enlarged. Which of the following interventions should the nurse consider? Report the condition to the physician immediately. Measure abdominal girth according to a set routine. Provide the client with nonprescription laxatives. Ask the client about food intake.
Measure abdominal girth according to a set routine. If the abdomen appears enlarged, the nurse measures it according to a set routine. The nurse reports any change in mental status or signs of gastrointestinal bleeding immediately. It is not essential for the client to take laxatives unless prescribed. The client's food intake does not affect the size of the abdomen in case of cirrhosis.
A client is admitted to the hospital with acute hemorrhage from esophageal varices. What medication should the nurse anticipate administering that will reduce pressure in the portal venous system and control esophageal bleeding? Vitamin K Octreotide Vasopressin Epinephrine
Octreotide Acute hemorrhage from esophageal varices is life threatening. Resuscitative measures include administration of IV fluids and blood products. IV octreotide is started as soon as possible. Octreotide is preferred because of fewer side effects. Octreotide reduces pressure in the portal venous system and is preferred to the previously used agents, vasopressin or terlipressin. Vitamin K promotes blood coagulation in bleeding conditions, resulting from liver disease.
Which is the most common cause of esophageal varices? Jaundice Portal hypertension Ascites Asterixis
Portal hypertension Esophageal varices are almost always caused by portal hypertension, which results from obstruction of the portal circulation within the damaged liver. Jaundice occurs when the bilirubin concentration in the blood is abnormally elevated. Ascites results from circulatory changes within the diseased liver. Asterixis is an involuntary flapping movement of the hands associated with metabolic liver dysfunction.
The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which assessment findings indicate that the client has deficient vitamin K absorption caused by this hepatic disease? Dyspnea and fatigue Ascites and orthopnea Purpura and petechiae Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy
Purpura and petechiae A hepatic disorder, such as cirrhosis, may disrupt the liver's normal use of vitamin K to produce prothrombin (a clotting factor). Consequently, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, including purpura and petechiae. Dyspnea and fatigue suggest anemia. Ascites and orthopnea are unrelated to vitamin K absorption. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy result from decreased estrogen metabolism by the diseased liver.
A client with cirrhosis has portal hypertension, which is causing esophageal varices. What is the goal of the interventions that the nurse will provide? Cure the cirrhosis. Treat the esophageal varices. Reduce fluid accumulation and venous pressure. Promote optimal neurologic function.
Reduce fluid accumulation and venous pressure. Methods of treating portal hypertension aim to reduce fluid accumulation and venous pressure. There is no cure for cirrhosis; treating the esophageal varices is only a small portion of the overall objective. Promoting optimal neurologic function will not reduce portal hypertension.
The nurse is providing care to a patient with gross ascites who is maintaining a position of comfort in the high semi-Fowler's position. What is the nurse's priority assessment of this patient? Respiratory assessment related to increased thoracic pressure Urinary output related to increased sodium retention Peripheral vascular assessment related to immobility Skin assessment related to increase in bile salts
Respiratory assessment related to increased thoracic pressure If a patient with ascites from liver dysfunction is hospitalized, nursing measures include assessment and documentation of intake and output (I&O;), abdominal girth, and daily weight to assess fluid status. The nurse also closely monitors the respiratory status because large volumes of ascites can compress the thoracic cavity and inhibit adequate lung expansion. The nurse monitors serum ammonia, creatinine, and electrolyte levels to assess electrolyte balance, response to therapy, and indications of encephalopathy.
Which position should be used for a client undergoing a paracentesis? Upright at the edge of the bed Prone Trendelenburg Supine
Supine
A client with hepatitis who has not responded to medical treatment is scheduled for a liver transplant. Which of the following most likely would be ordered? Chenodiol Ursodiol Tacrolimus Interferon alfa-2b, recombinant
Tacrolimus In preparation for a liver transplant, a client receives immunosuppressants to reduce the risk for organ rejection. Tacrolimus or cyclosporine are two immunosuppressants that may be used. Chenodiol and ursodiol are agents used to dissolve gall stones. Recombinant interferon alfa-2b is used to treat chronic hepatitis B, C, and D to force the virus into remission.
Ammonia, the major etiologic factor in the development of encephalopathy, inhibits neurotransmission. Increased levels of ammonia are damaging to the body. The largest source of ammonia is from: The digestion of dietary and blood proteins. Excessive diuresis and dehydration. Severe infections and high fevers. Excess potassium loss subsequent to prolonged use of diuretics.
The digestion of dietary and blood proteins. Circumstances that increase serum ammonia levels tend to aggravate or precipitate hepatic encephalopathy. The largest source of ammonia is the enzymatic and bacterial digestion of dietary and blood proteins in the GI tract. Ammonia from these sources increases as a result of GI bleeding (i.e., bleeding esophageal varices, chronic GI bleeding), a high-protein diet, bacterial infection, or uremia.
Which of the following diagnostic studies definitely confirms the presence of ascites? Ultrasound of liver and abdomen Abdominal x-ray Colonoscopy Computed tomography of abdomen
Ultrasound of liver and abdomen Ultrasonography of the liver and abdomen will definitively confirm the presence of ascites. An abdominal x-ray, colonoscopy, and computed tomography of the abdomen would not confirm the presence of ascites.
Which medication is used to decrease portal pressure, halting bleeding of esophageal varices? Spironolactone Vasopressin Nitroglycerin Cimetidine
Vasopressin Vasopressin may be the initial therapy for esophageal varices because it produces constriction of the splanchnic arterial bed and decreases portal hypertension. Nitroglycerin has been used to prevent the side effects of vasopressin. Spironolactone and cimetidine do not decrease portal hypertension.
A client with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following should a nurse administer to the client before surgery? Potassium Vitamin K Vitamin B Oral bile acids
Vitamin K Clients with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas typically require vitamin K before surgery to correct a prothrombin deficiency. Potassium would be given only if the client's serum potassium levels were low. Oral bile acids are not prescribed for a client with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas; they are given to dissolve gallstones. Vitamin B has no implications in the surgery.
A client has received a diagnosis of portal hypertension. What does portal hypertension treatment aim to reduce? Select all that apply. fluid accumulation venous pressure blood coagulation fluid output
fluid accumulation venous pressure Methods of treating portal hypertension aim to reduce venous pressure and fluid accumulation.
A physician has ordered a liver biopsy for a client with cirrhosis whose condition has recently deteriorated. The nurse reviews the client's recent laboratory findings and recognizes that the client is at risk for complications due to: low platelet count. low sodium level. decreased prothrombin time. low hemoglobin.
low platelet count. Prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and low platelet count place the client at high risk for hemorrhage. The client may receive intravenous (IV) administration of vitamin K or infusions of platelets before liver biopsy to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Most of the liver's metabolic functions are performed by: parenchymal cells. Kupffer cells. islets of Langerhans. canaliculi cells.
parenchymal cells. The parenchymal cells perform most of the liver's metabolic functions.
A client with advanced cirrhosis has a prothrombin time (PT) of 15 seconds, compared with a control time of 11 seconds. The nurse expects to administer: spironolactone (Aldactone). phytonadione (Mephyton). furosemide (Lasix). warfarin (Coumadin).
phytonadione (Mephyton). Prothrombin synthesis in the liver requires vitamin K. In cirrhosis, vitamin K is lacking, precluding prothrombin synthesis and, in turn, increasing the client's PT. An increased PT, which indicates clotting time, increases the risk of bleeding. Therefore, the nurse should expect to administer phytonadione (vitamin K1) to promote prothrombin synthesis. Spironolactone and furosemide are diuretics and have no effect on bleeding or clotting time. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prolongs PT.
Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess in a conscious client with hepatic encephalopathy? Increased motor activity Asterixis Negative Babinski reflex Little desire to sleep
Asterixis Hepatic encephalopathy is manifested by numerous central nervous system effects including disorientation, confusion, mood swings, reversed day-night sleep patterns with sleep occurring during the day, agitation, memory loss, a flapping tremor called asterixis, a positive Babinski reflex, sulfurous breath odor (referred to as fetor hepaticus), and lethargy. As hepatic encephalopathy becomes more severe, the client becomes stuporous and eventually comatose.
A group of students is reviewing information about the liver and associated disorders. The group demonstrates understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as a primary function of the liver? Breakdown amino acids Convert urea into ammonia Excrete bile Break down coagulation factors
Excrete bile The liver forms and excretes bile, synthesizes amino acids from the breakdown of proteins, converts ammonia into urea, and synthesizes the factors needed for blood coagulation.
The nurse identifies which type of jaundice in an adult experiencing a transfusion reaction? Hemolytic Hepatocellular Obstructive Nonobstructive
Hemolytic Hemolytic jaundice occurs because, although the liver is functioning normally, it cannot excrete the bilirubin as quickly as it is formed. This type of jaundice is encountered in clients with hemolytic transfusion reactions and other hemolytic disorders. Obstructive and hepatocellular jaundice are the result of liver disease. Nonobstructive jaundice occurs with hepatitis.
Which type of jaundice seen in adults is the result of increased destruction of red blood cells? Hemolytic Hepatocellular Obstructive Nonobstructive
Hemolytic Hemolytic jaundice results because, although the liver is functioning normally, it cannot excrete the bilirubin as quickly as it is formed. Obstructive and hepatocellular jaundice are results of liver disease. Nonobstructive jaundice occurs with hepatitis.
A nurse is gathering equipment and preparing to assist with a sterile bedside procedure to withdraw fluid from a client's abdomen. The procedure tray contains the following equipment: trocar, syringe, needles, and drainage tube. The client is placed in he high Fowler position and a blood pressure cuff is secured around the arm in preparation for which procedure? Liver biopsy Paracentesis Abdominal ultrasound Dialysis
Paracentesis Paracentesis is the removal of fluid (ascites) from the peritoneal cavity through a puncture or a small surgical incision through the abdominal wall under sterile conditions. Paracentesis may be used to withdraw ascitic fluid if the accumulated fluid is causing cardiorespiratory compromise. A liver biopsy is removal of tissue from the liver using a scope or surgical instrument. An abdominal ultrasound is a non -invasive procedure using sound waves to produce images. Dialysis is the process of filtering blood as a substitute for normal kidney function.
A nurse educator is providing an in-service to a group of nurses working on a medical floor that specializes in liver disorders. What is an important education topic regarding ingestion of medications? metabolism of medications need for increased drug dosages need for more frequently divided doses medications becoming ineffective in clients with liver disease
metabolism of medications Careful evaluation of the client's response to drug therapy is important because the malfunctioning liver cannot metabolize many substances.
A nurse is assessing a postoperative client for hemorrhage. What responses associated with the compensatory stage of shock should be reported to the healthcare provider? tachycardia and tachypnea tachycardia and bradypnea bradycardia and bradypnea bradycardia and tachypnea
tachycardia and tachypnea The compensatory stage is the first stage of shock. During this stage, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated due to changes in blood volume and blood pressure. The SNS stimulates the cardiovascular system, causing tachycardia, and the respiratory system, causing tachypnea. Thus, tachycardia (not bradycardia) and tachypnea (not bradypnea) occur with the compensatory stage of shock.
A client with severe and chronic liver disease is showing manifestations related to inadequate vitamin intake and metabolism. He reports difficulty driving at night because he cannot see well. Which of the following vitamins is most likely deficient for this client? Vitamin A Thiamine Riboflavin Vitamin K
Vitamin A Problems common to clients with severe chronic liver dysfunction result from inadequate intake of sufficient vitamins. Vitamin A deficiency results in night blindness and eye and skin changes. Thiamine deficiency can lead to beriberi, polyneuritis, and Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis. Riboflavin deficiency results in characteristic skin and mucous membrane lesions. Vitamin K deficiency can cause hypoprothrombinemia, characterized by spontaneous bleeding and ecchymoses.
A physician orders lactulose (Cephulac), 30 ml three times daily, when a client with cirrhosis develops an increased serum ammonia level. To evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose, the nurse should monitor: urine output. abdominal girth. stool frequency. level of consciousness (LOC).
level of consciousness (LOC). In cirrhosis, the liver fails to convert ammonia to urea. Ammonia then builds up in the blood and is carried to the brain, causing cerebral dysfunction. When this occurs, lactulose is administered to promote ammonia excretion in the stool and thus improve cerebral function. Because LOC is an accurate indicator of cerebral function, the nurse can evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose by monitoring the client's LOC. Monitoring urine output, abdominal girth, and stool frequency helps evaluate the progress of cirrhosis, not the effectiveness of lactulose.
