A client with a history of chronic alcohol abuse is at risk for which of the following conditions?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Liver cirrhosis. Chronic alcohol abuse is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis due to the toxic effects of alcohol on the liver over time. Alcohol metabolism leads to liver inflammation, scarring, and ultimately cirrhosis. Renal failure (B) is not directly linked to alcohol abuse but can occur in severe cases. COPD (C) is primarily caused by smoking, not alcohol abuse. Peptic ulcer disease (D) can be exacerbated by alcohol but is not directly caused by chronic alcohol abuse. Therefore, the most significant risk for a client with a history of chronic alcohol abuse is developing liver cirrhosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Fecal-oral route. Hepatitis A is commonly transmitted through ingestion of contaminated food or water. The virus is present in the feces of infected individuals and can be spread through inadequate sanitation practices. Blood transfusion (A) is not a common mode of transmission for hepatitis A. Needle sharing (C) is more associated with hepatitis B and C transmission. Sexual contact (D) is not a primary mode of transmission for hepatitis A. In summary, the fecal-oral route is the most common mode of transmission for hepatitis A due to contamination of food or water with the virus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Lactulose works by reducing blood ammonia levels through promoting its excretion in the stool. 2. Hepatic encephalopathy is caused by elevated blood ammonia levels affecting brain function. 3. Therefore, the expected outcome of lactulose treatment is a reduction in blood ammonia levels, improving the client's condition. Summary: - Reduction in blood ammonia levels is the correct outcome as lactulose targets this mechanism. - Improvement in liver enzyme levels and decrease in bilirubin levels are not direct effects of lactulose. - Increase in urine output is not a typical outcome of lactulose treatment for hepatic encephalopathy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. For cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder, a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is essential to prevent exacerbation of symptoms. High-fat diets can trigger gallbladder attacks, while low-fat and low-cholesterol diets help reduce the workload on the gallbladder. High-fiber (choice A) may be too harsh on the digestive system. Low-fiber, high-protein (choice B) and high-protein, high-fat (choice D) diets can exacerbate symptoms due to the high-fat content.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Use sterile technique when performing tracheostomy care. This is crucial to prevent infections that can lead to complications. Sterile technique helps minimize the risk of introducing harmful pathogens into the tracheostomy site. Using clean rather than sterile technique can increase the client's risk of infection. Choice B is incorrect because suctioning the tracheostomy tube every hour can lead to mucosal damage and increase the risk of infection. Choice C is incorrect because keeping the tracheostomy tube cuff inflated at all times can cause pressure ulcers and damage the trachea. Choice D is incorrect because changing the tracheostomy ties daily is unnecessary and can increase the risk of dislodging the tracheostomy tube, leading to complications.