ATI LPN
Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition
Chapter 58 : Care of Patients with Liver Problems Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse cares for a client who is prescribed lactulose (Heptalac). The client states, 'I do not want to take this medication because it causes diarrhea.' How should the nurse respond?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The purpose of administering lactulose to this client is to help ammonia leave the circulatory system through the colon. Lactulose draws water into the bowel with its high osmotic gradient, thereby producing a laxative effect and subsequently evacuating ammonia from the bowel. The client must understand that this is an expected therapeutic effect for him or her to remain compliant. The nurse should not suggest administering anything that would decrease the excretion of ammonia or holding the medication. There is no need to send a stool specimen to the laboratory because diarrhea is the therapeutic response to this medication.
Question 2 of 5
After teaching a client who has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, the nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The route of acquisition of hepatitis A infection is through close personal contact or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish. Hepatitis A is not transmitted through medications. Hepatitis B can be spread through blood transfusions. Epstein-Barr virus causes a secondary infection, not a co-infection with hepatitis A.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse assesses clients at a community health fair. Which client is at greatest risk for the development of hepatitis B?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hepatitis B can be spread through sexual contact, needle sharing, needle sticks, blood transfusions, hemodialysis, acupuncture, and the maternal-fetal route. A person with multiple sexual partners has more opportunities to contract the infection. Hepatitis B is not transmitted through medications, casual contact with other travelers, or raw shellfish. Although an overdose of acetaminophen can cause liver cirrhosis, this is not associated with hepatitis B. Hepatitis A is spread through ingestion of contaminated shellfish.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse teaches a client with hepatitis C who is prescribed ribavirin (Copegus). Which statement should the nurse include in this client's discharge education?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Treatment of hepatitis C with ribavirin takes up to 48 weeks, making compliance a serious issue. The nurse should work with the client on a strategy to remain compliant for this length of time. Muscle aching is not a common side effect. The client will be on this medication for many weeks and does not need a blood toxicity examination. There is no need for the client to assess his or her radial pulse prior to taking the medication.
Question 5 of 5
After teaching a client who has plans to travel to a non-industrialized country, the nurse assesses the client's understanding regarding the prevention of viral hepatitis. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client should be advised to avoid fresh, raw fruits and vegetables because they can be contaminated by tap water. Drinking bottled water, not sharing plates, glasses, or eating utensils, and frequent handwashing are good ways to prevent illness.