A client with ascites has a paracentesis, and 1500 ml of fluid is removed. Immediately following the procedure it is most important for the nurse to observe for:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Following a paracentesis procedure where a large amount of ascitic fluid is removed, there is a risk of developing a fluid shift and a potential complication known as "paracentesis-induced circulatory dysfunction" (PICD). This may cause a sudden increase in central blood volume due to rapid re-distribution of fluid, leading to respiratory congestion, dyspnea, and hypoxemia. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to monitor the client closely for signs of respiratory distress or congestion immediately after the procedure to prevent any respiratory complications. A rapid, thready pulse (choice A) may indicate hypovolemia, but it is not the most important immediate concern in this case. Decreased peristalsis (choice B) and an increased temperature (choice D) are not typically associated with the immediate post-paracentesis period and are therefore lower priorities compared to monitoring for signs of respiratory congestion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct choice is Pyridoxine. Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine and is commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6, has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of Levodopa by accelerating its conversion to dopamine in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain. This reduces the amount of Levodopa available to provide therapeutic benefit in Parkinson's disease. It is important for patients taking Levodopa to be cautious about taking vitamin B6 supplements to avoid diminishing the efficacy of their medication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most common buffer system in the body is the bicarbonate-carbonic system. This system plays a crucial role in maintaining the pH balance in the blood. The bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) acts as a weak base, while carbonic acid (H2CO3) acts as a weak acid. The balance between these two components helps to regulate the pH of the blood.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Memory cells are a type of immune cell that "remembers" a specific antigen through previous exposure. When the body encounters the same antigen again during a re-exposure, the memory cells quickly recognize it and can rapidly convert into effector cells, such as plasma cells. Plasma cells are specialized cells that produce antibodies targeted against that specific antigen. This rapid conversion process allows the immune system to mount a quicker and more effective response upon encountering the antigen for the second time.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Meningocele is a type of neural tube defect in which there is herniation of the meninges (protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) through a defect in the spinal column. This results in the formation of a sac-like protrusion that contains the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid but does not involve the spinal cord itself. In meningocele, the spinal cord remains in its normal position within the spinal canal. This condition is typically associated with spina bifida, a neural tube defect that occurs during early embryological development. Unlike myelomeningocele, which involves both the spinal cord and meninges protruding through the spinal column, meningocele specifically refers to the presence of a sac containing the meninges and spinal fluid without direct involvement of the spinal cord.