CH 49 - HEPATIC

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

Which of the following terms is used to describe a chronic liver disease in which scar tissue surrounds the portal areas?

Alcoholic cirrhosis

Lactulose (Cephulac) is administered to a patient diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce which of the following?

Ammonia

Which of the following would be the most important nursing assessment in a patient diagnosed with ascites?

Daily weight and measurement of abdominal girth

A preoperative client scheduled to have an open cholecystectomy says to the nurse, "The doctor said that after surgery, I will have a tube in my nose that goes into my stomach. Why do I need that?" What most common reason for a client having a nasogastric tube in place after abdominal surgery should the nurse include in a response?

Decompression

Which of the following is an age-related change of the hepatobiliary system?

Decreased blood flow

What test should the nurse prepare the client for that will locate stones that have collected in the common bile duct?

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Which type of deficiency results in macrocytic anemia?

Folic acid

Which of the following would be the least important assessment in a patient diagnosed with ascites?

Foul-smelling breath

The nurse identifies which of the following types of jaundice in an adult experiencing a transfusion reaction?

Hemolytic

Which type of jaundice is the result of increased destruction of red blood cells?

Hemolytic

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

A patient has an elevated serum ammonia level and is exhibiting mental status changes. The nurse should suspect which of the following conditions?

Hepatic encephalopathy

A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group about hepatitis. Which of the following would the nurse include?

Hepatitis C increases a person's risk for liver cancer.

Patients diagnosed with esophageal varices are at risk for hemorrhagic shock. Which of the following is a sign of potential hypovolemia?

Hypotension

The nurse is administering medications to a patient that has elevated ammonia due to cirrhosis of the liver. What medication will the nurse give to detoxify ammonium and to act as an osmotic agent?

Lactulose (Cephulac)

A client is being prepared to undergo laboratory and diagnostic testing to confirm the diagnosis of cirrhosis. Which test would the nurse expect to be used to provide definitive confirmation of the disorder?

Liver biopsy

A physician orders spironolactone (Aldactone), 50 mg by mouth four times daily, for a client with fluid retention caused by cirrhosis. Which finding indicates that the drug is producing a therapeutic effect?

Loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) in 24 hours

A patient with cirrhosis has a massive hemorrhage from esophageal varices. Balloon tamponade therapy is used temporarily to control hemorrhage and stabilize the patient. In planning care, the nurse gives the highest priority to which of the following goals?

Maintaining the airway

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?

Measure abdominal girth according to a set routine.

To reduce risk of injury for a patient with liver disease, what initial measure can the nurse implement?

Pad the side rails on the bed

The nurse is teaching a patient who was admitted to the hospital with acute hepatic encephalopathy and ascites about an appropriate diet. The nurse determines that the teaching has been effective when the patient chooses which of the following food choices from the menu?

Pancakes with butter and honey and orange juice

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?

Purpura and petechiae

In what location would the nurse palpate for the liver?

Right upper quadrant

Patients with chronic liver dysfunction have problems with insufficient vitamin intake. Which of the following may occur as a result of vitamin C deficiency?

Scurvy

A patient with hepatic cirrhosis questions the nurse about the possible use of an herbal supplement—milk thistle—to help heal the liver. Which of the following would be the most appropriate response from the nurse?

Silymarin from milk thistle has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may have beneficial effects, especially in hepatitis.However, you should always notify your primary care provider of any herbal remedies being used so drug interactions can be evaluated.

Why should total parental nutrition (TPN) be used cautiously in clients with pancreatitis?

Such clients cannot tolerate high-glucose concentration.

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.

Which of the following is the most effective strategy to prevent hepatitis B infection?

Vaccine

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

A client has just been diagnosed with hepatitis A. On assessment, the nurse expects to note:

anorexia, nausea, and vomiting.

A client is admitted for suspected GI disease. Assessment data reveal muscle wasting, a decrease in chest and axillary hair, and increased bleeding tendency. The nurse suspects the client has:

cirrhosis

A client with hepatitis C develops liver failure and GI hemorrhage. The blood products that most likely bring about hemostasis in the client are:

cryoprecipitate and fresh frozen plasma.

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:

subnormal serum glucose and elevated serum ammonia levels.

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.

• Ammonia conversion • Glucose metabolism • Protein metabolism