ATI LPN
Timby's Introductory Medical-Surgical Nursing Thirteenth, North American Edition
Chapter 47 : Caring for Clients With Disorders of the Liver, Gallbladder, or Pancreas Questions
Question 1 of 5
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?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 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.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is administering medications to a client who 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?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Lactulose is administered to detoxify ammonium and to act as an osmotic agent, drawing water into the bowel, which causes diarrhea in some clients. Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone are used to treat ascites. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant and reduces pruritus. Kanamycin decreases intestinal bacteria and decreases ammonia but does not act as an osmotic agent.
Question 3 of 5
A client with cirrhosis is complaining of severe pruritus related to the accumulation of bile salts. What can be prescribed for the client to relieve the itching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cholestyramine may be prescribed to bind bile salts and relieve pruritus. Kanamycin is prescribed to reduce the bacterial count in the intestine. Lactulose is used to decrease the amount of ammonia level in the blood. Cyclosporine is used to prevent rejection of a transplanted organ.
Question 4 of 5
A client with cirrhosis has portal hypertension, which is causing esophageal varices. What is the goal of the interventions that the nurse will provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: 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.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is administering furosemide to promote urinary excretion of excess fluids for a client with cirrhosis. When administering furosemide to this client, what should the nurse closely monitor?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diuretics such as furosemide must be administered with caution because long-term use can cause sodium depletion. The other levels do not relate to the administration of furosemide.