A patient with a history of cirrhosis is at risk for developing hepatic encephalopathy. Which nursing intervention is most effective in preventing and managing hepatic encephalopathy?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Lactulose is the most effective nursing intervention in preventing and managing hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Lactulose works by promoting the elimination of ammonia in the colon through its laxative effect, thereby reducing ammonia levels in the blood. High ammonia levels are associated with the development of hepatic encephalopathy. By administering lactulose as prescribed, nurses can help reduce the risk of encephalopathy and manage symptoms effectively. Monitoring serum ammonia levels is important in assessing the effectiveness of lactulose therapy, but administering lactulose is the primary nursing intervention in this situation. Dietary protein restriction is also commonly recommended; however, lactulose administration is the most vital intervention in this scenario. Additionally, encouraging increased fluid intake is important for overall liver health but is not as specific to preventing and managing hepatic encephalopathy as administering lactulose.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In prioritizing nursing diagnoses, the nurse should consider issues that pose the greatest risk to the patient's immediate well-being. A fluid volume deficit can lead to dehydration and potentially life-threatening complications, making it a priority to address. It is crucial to restore fluid balance to maintain normal body functions and prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition. Ensuring adequate hydration is essential for the patient's overall health and recovery. The other options, such as risk for pain, coping, and body image disturbances, while important, are not as urgent as addressing a fluid volume deficit.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's role in interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for providing comprehensive and effective patient care. By actively participating in healthcare team meetings, the nurse should listen attentively to the input of other team members, contribute their expertise, and share relevant information about the patient's condition. Collaboration involves working together towards shared goals, pooling knowledge and resources, and fostering mutual respect among team members. The nurse's active involvement in the care planning process helps ensure coordinated and patient-centered care delivery. This approach enhances communication, improves outcomes, and promotes a holistic approach to patient care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nurse Adalynn explains to the mothers that early indication for hypovolemia caused by postpartum hemorrhage is an increasing pulse and decreasing blood pressure. Hypovolemia is a condition where there is a decreased volume of circulating blood in the body, often characterized by fluid loss such as through bleeding. As blood volume decreases, the heart rate increases in an attempt to maintain adequate perfusion to organs and tissues. This results in an elevated pulse rate. Additionally, as the blood volume decreases, the blood pressure may drop due to the reduced amount of blood being pumped around the body. Therefore, monitoring for an increasing pulse and decreasing blood pressure is crucial in detecting hypovolemia early, allowing for prompt intervention to prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Smoking is a harmful habit that is known to contribute to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. Smoking does not provide any benefits for Alzheimer's patients and, in fact, can worsen the condition due to its negative impact on overall health. Therefore, smoking does not help improve Alzheimer's and may exacerbate the symptoms and complications associated with the disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Globulin is the blood protein involved in the immune system. There are different types of globulins, including immunoglobulins (antibodies) that play a crucial role in the body's defense against infections. These antibodies bind to foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, helping the immune system to recognize and destroy them. Thrombin is a clotting protein, albumin is a protein responsible for maintaining osmotic balance in the blood, and hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Leaving the side rails down is one of the most common occurrences that can lead to a patient fall. Side rails are important safety measures designed to prevent patients from falling out of bed. When the side rails are left down, the patient is at a higher risk of accidentally rolling out of bed and falling. It is crucial for healthcare providers to always ensure that the side rails are up and secure to help prevent patient falls.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed erythropoietin-stimulating agents (ESAs) for anemia management, the parameter that should be monitored closely by the nurse is the hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin levels indicate the patient's response to ESA therapy and are essential in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment in addressing anemia. Monitoring hemoglobin levels helps ensure that the patient's anemia is controlled within the target range to avoid both the risks of under-treatment (resulting in persistent anemia) and over-treatment (increased risk of adverse outcomes such as hypertension, stroke, or cardiovascular events).

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's best approach to address the patient's confusion about their medication regimen is to use a teach-back method to assess understanding and clarify any misconceptions. This method involves the nurse asking the patient to explain in their own words how they will take their medications, what each medication is for, and any potential side effects they should watch for. By using the teach-back method, the nurse can confirm the patient's comprehension and correct any misunderstandings in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. This approach promotes patient education, empowerment, and adherence to the medication regimen. Providing written instructions alone (Choice A) may not be sufficient if the patient has difficulty reading or understanding written information. Explaining the medication regimen using complex medical terminology (Choice B) can further confuse the patient, making it harder for them to grasp the information. Dismissing the patient's concerns and reassuring them that the medication is safe (Choice D) does not address the root of the issue and