A client with a history of chronic alcohol use is admitted with confusion and an unsteady gait. Which deficiency should the nurse suspect?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Thiamine (Vitamin B1). Chronic alcohol use can lead to thiamine deficiency, causing neurological symptoms like confusion and unsteady gait (Wernicke's encephalopathy). Thiamine is crucial for brain function and alcohol interferes with its absorption. Vitamin B12 (choice B) deficiency can also cause neurological symptoms but is less likely in this case. Folic acid (choice C) deficiency can lead to anemia and neural tube defects, not directly related to the symptoms described. Vitamin D (choice D) deficiency typically presents with bone pain and muscle weakness, not confusion and gait issues.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Take the medication on an empty stomach. Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating, to ensure optimal absorption. Food can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, reducing its effectiveness. Taking it with a meal (option A) or at bedtime (option B) may lead to decreased absorption. Taking it with an antacid (option D) can also interfere with absorption. Therefore, the best instruction is to take the medication on an empty stomach to maximize its therapeutic effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ensure the client's bladder is emptied regularly. Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in clients with spinal cord injuries. It is triggered by a distended bladder or bowel. By regularly emptying the client's bladder, the nurse can prevent the stimulus that leads to autonomic dysreflexia. Option A is incorrect because restricting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, exacerbating the condition. Option B is incorrect as temperature regulation is not directly related to preventing autonomic dysreflexia. Option D is incorrect as high-fiber foods do not play a role in triggering this condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreased vital capacity. This finding indicates respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory failure in Guillain-Barr© syndrome. Immediate action is needed to prevent respiratory compromise. Choice A is a common finding in Guillain-Barr© and does not require immediate action. Choice B is characteristic of Guillain-Barr© and should be monitored but not the most urgent. Choice C could indicate other issues but is not as critical as respiratory compromise.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply lotion to the skin. Pruritus in cirrhosis is often due to dry skin. Applying lotion helps hydrate the skin, reducing itching. Acetaminophen (A) can worsen liver damage. High-protein diet (C) is not directly related to pruritus relief. Warm bath (D) may further dry the skin.