ATI Learning System PN Medical Surgical Final Quizlet - Nurselytic

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of care for a client with esophageal varices secondary to liver cirrhosis is to control bleeding. This is because esophageal varices can lead to life-threatening hemorrhage. By controlling bleeding, we can prevent severe complications and potentially save the client's life. Preventing infection (
Choice
A) is important but not the primary goal in this case. Reducing portal hypertension (
Choice
C) is a long-term goal and may help prevent variceal bleeding in the future, but it is not the immediate priority. Maintaining nutritional status (
Choice
D) is important for overall health but is not the primary goal when managing acute bleeding from esophageal varices.

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.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Prothrombin time (PT). In cirrhosis, the liver's ability to produce clotting factors is impaired, leading to a higher risk of bleeding. Monitoring PT helps assess the liver's synthetic function and the blood's ability to clot. Abnormal PT values indicate a higher bleeding risk and guide interventions like vitamin K or blood products. Blood glucose (
A), serum creatinine (
B), and electrolytes (
D) do not directly reflect the liver's synthetic function or clotting status in cirrhosis, making them less relevant for monitoring bleeding risk.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B:
To relieve abdominal pressure. Paracentesis is performed to drain excess fluid from the abdominal cavity, which helps alleviate symptoms like abdominal distension and discomfort in clients with ascites. It does not serve the purpose of diagnosing liver disease (
A), assessing kidney function (
C), or reducing blood pressure (
D). The primary goal of paracentesis in this context is to provide symptomatic relief by removing the accumulated fluid, thereby reducing pressure on surrounding organs and improving the client's comfort and overall well-being.