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: C

Rationale: The symptoms described are classic for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and atrophy. Patients typically present with weakness, muscle atrophy, fasciculations (muscle twitching), and eventually develop difficulty swallowing and breathing due to involvement of the muscles responsible for these functions. Parkinson's disease (Choice A) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia but does not typically present with muscle atrophy or fasciculations as described in the case. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) (Choice B) is an acute inflammatory condition affecting peripheral nerves, leading to ascending paralysis, which is usually reversible. Myasthenia gravis (Choice D) is an autoimmune disorder that affects neu

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The ethical principle of autonomy emphasizes respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions regarding their treatment. In this scenario, the patient has the right to refuse treatment, and the nurse should respect that decision while also providing information and guidance to help the patient make informed choices. By upholding the principle of autonomy, the nurse can support the patient's decision-making process and work collaboratively with them to address any concerns or barriers to compliance with the treatment regimen. This approach honors the patient's right to self-determination and promotes a trusting relationship between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypokalemia (low levels of potassium) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. This is because digoxin competes with potassium for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in the cell membrane. When potassium levels are low, there is an increased binding of digoxin to these pumps, leading to enhanced entry of calcium into the cells. This can result in an increased intracellular calcium concentration, leading to digoxin toxicity and potential cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, monitoring and correcting potassium levels is crucial in patients prescribed digoxin to reduce the risk of toxicity.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of a cervical collar in the management of trauma patients is to immobilize the cervical spine. This is crucial in cases of suspected cervical spine injury to prevent any further damage and to maintain spinal stability. By providing support and restricting movement in the cervical spine region, a cervical collar helps prevent potential spinal cord injuries and associated neurological deficits. It is essential to immobilize the cervical spine until a thorough evaluation can be carried out to determine the extent of injury, as any movement of the spine during this period can worsen the damage.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Dendritic cells play a critical role in initiating adaptive immune responses by capturing antigens from pathogens, migrating to lymphoid organs, and presenting these antigens to naïve T cells. This activation of naïve T cells by dendritic cells is essential for the adaptive immune system to generate specific immune responses against pathogens. Dendritic cells act as professional antigen-presenting cells, which are specialized to capture, process, and present antigens to T cells, thereby facilitating the activation of T cells and the coordination of adaptive immune responses, such as the production of specific antibodies and the generation of memory T cells.

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: D

Rationale: Advocacy is the ethical principle that the nurse is responsible for providing all patients with caring attention and information, despite the reaction of the patient. Advocacy involves supporting and speaking up for the patient's best interests, ensuring they receive the care and information they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Providing caring attention and information is essential in advocating for the patient's autonomy and well-being, even if the patient may not initially appreciate or react positively to these efforts.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with acute myocardial infarction (MI) complicated by cardiogenic shock, the primary intervention to manage shock is emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PCI is a procedure performed to restore blood flow in an occluded coronary artery that is causing the MI. By opening up the blocked artery and restoring blood flow to the heart muscle, PCI can help reduce myocardial damage, improve cardiac function, and stabilize the patient's condition. Prompt reperfusion via PCI is crucial in the setting of cardiogenic shock to improve survival outcomes and reduce the risk of further complications. Administering inotropic medications, initiating therapeutic hypothermia, or recommending anticoagulant therapy may be components of management in specific cases but are not the primary intervention for managing shock in a patient with acute MI and cardiogenic shock.