A nurse is assessing a patient with chronic liver disease. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jaundice. In chronic liver disease, the liver's ability to process bilirubin is impaired, leading to jaundice. This is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Monitoring for jaundice is crucial as it indicates liver dysfunction. Hypoglycemia (A) is not a typical complication of chronic liver disease. Hyperkalemia (B) is more commonly associated with kidney dysfunction. Anemia (D) can occur in liver disease but is not as specific a complication as jaundice. Therefore, monitoring for jaundice in a patient with chronic liver disease is essential for early detection and management of liver dysfunction.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Stroke patients are at increased risk for DVT due to immobility. Step 2: Monitoring for DVT signs is crucial for early detection and prevention. Step 3: Prompt intervention can prevent life-threatening complications. Step 4: Encouraging mobility (Choice A) is important but not the priority. Step 5: Administering antihypertensive meds (Choice C) may be necessary but not the priority. Step 6: Providing psychological support (Choice D) is important but not as critical as DVT monitoring.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increasing physical activity and reducing salt intake. Firstly, increasing physical activity helps lower blood pressure by improving heart health and circulation. Secondly, reducing salt intake helps decrease fluid retention and lower blood pressure. The other choices are incorrect because B: Increasing alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, C: Decreasing physical activity is counterproductive, and D: Increasing sodium intake can lead to higher blood pressure due to fluid retention. Prioritizing physical activity and reducing salt intake are evidence-based lifestyle changes to manage hypertension effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pulmonary edema. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs causing pulmonary edema. This can result in symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Monitoring for pulmonary edema is crucial in heart failure management to prevent respiratory distress and worsening heart function. Rationale: A: Hypoglycemia - While patients with heart failure may be at risk for metabolic abnormalities, hypoglycemia is not a common complication directly related to heart failure. C: Anemia - Anemia can occur in heart failure due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, but it is not a direct complication that requires immediate monitoring like pulmonary edema. D: Hypertension - Heart failure is characterized by a reduced ability of the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to decreased cardiac output. Therefore, hypertension is not typically a complication seen in heart failure patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Swelling in the legs and shortness of breath. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the body. Swelling in the legs (edema) is a classic sign of fluid overload as the fluid pools in the lower extremities. Shortness of breath occurs due to fluid accumulating in the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. Weight loss and increased appetite (A) are not typical signs of fluid overload. Increased urine output and dehydration (B) are more indicative of fluid deficit. Nausea and vomiting (D) can occur in various conditions but are not specific to fluid overload in heart failure.