A patient with chronic hepatic encephalopathy is being discharged home. Discharge teaching centers upon long-term management strategies to prevent ammonia accumulation. Teaching for this patient includes instruction about

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protein intake of 50 g daily. In hepatic encephalopathy, reducing protein intake helps decrease ammonia production. Excessive ammonia leads to neurological symptoms. Lactulose (choice A) is correct for hepatic encephalopathy as it helps eliminate ammonia through the gut. Spironolactone (choice B) is a diuretic and not indicated for hepatic encephalopathy. Zolpidem (choice D) is a sleep aid and not relevant to managing ammonia accumulation. In summary, choice C is correct because it directly targets the underlying issue of ammonia accumulation in hepatic encephalopathy, while the other choices do not address this specific concern.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Postdatism refers to a pregnancy that extends beyond the normal gestation period of 280 days. The correct answer is B (294 days) as it is more than the standard 280-day term. Choice A (280 days) is the normal term, not postdatism. Choices C (290 days) and D (287 days) are also below the 294-day mark, making them incorrect for defining postdatism.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for reoperation. Given the patient's elevated AST and ALT levels after hepatic resection, along with abnormal prothrombin time and low albumin, there is concern for liver dysfunction. This indicates a potential complication post-surgery, such as hepatic insufficiency or failure, necessitating reoperation for further evaluation and management. Cancelling the transfer (A) would delay necessary intervention. Infusing albumin and fresh frozen plasma (B) would address only the symptoms but not the underlying cause. Repeating labs the next day (C) would not address the urgency of the situation.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the main aims of an exchange transfusion procedure are to control haemolysis (process of breaking down red blood cells) and restore hemoglobin levels. This procedure involves removing the baby's blood and replacing it with donor blood to prevent complications from severe jaundice or other conditions. Choice A is incorrect because exchange transfusion does not necessarily cure haemolysis, but it helps control it. Choice B is incorrect as the procedure focuses on managing specific issues rather than removing all toxic materials. Choice C is incorrect because it does not directly address the primary goals of an exchange transfusion.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Oligohydramnios. Oligohydramnios, which is low levels of amniotic fluid, can lead to reduced cushioning in the uterus, allowing the fetus to assume abnormal positions like shoulder presentation. Macerated fetus (choice A) is related to prolonged fetal death, not shoulder presentation. Postdates pregnancy (choice B) may increase the risk of complications but is not a direct cause of shoulder presentation. Placenta abruption (choice D) is the premature separation of the placenta, which can lead to fetal distress but is not specifically linked to shoulder presentation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Palpation of the abdomen. To diagnose obstructed labor, palpation of the abdomen is essential to assess the position and size of the fetus, as well as the presence of uterine contractions and fetal heart rate. Tenderness in the lower abdomen may indicate other conditions, not necessarily obstructed labor. Softening of the cervix is a sign of impending labor but not specific to obstructed labor. Therefore, palpation of the abdomen is the most appropriate choice for diagnosing obstructed labor.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Acyclovir. The rationale is that sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) can sometimes be associated with viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that can potentially help treat the underlying viral infection causing SSHL. It is important to address the potential viral etiology before considering other treatments. Summary of other choices: B: Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and edema, not SSHL. C: Warfarin is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots, not indicated for SSHL. D: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is sometimes used for SSHL, but addressing any potential viral infection with Acyclovir would be a more appropriate initial step.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gram negative infection. In sepsis, especially with a Gram negative infection, organ donation may pose a risk of transmitting the infection to the recipient. This can be life-threatening for the organ recipient. Renal failure (choice A), traumatic brain injury (choice B), and breast cancer (choice D) are not direct contraindications to organ donation. Renal failure may limit the suitability of certain organs, but it does not automatically disqualify a patient from donating other organs. Traumatic brain injury may impact brain donation but does not rule out other organ donation. Breast cancer may affect eligibility for certain organs but does not universally disqualify a patient from organ donation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoidance of elective surgery and nonessential medications. This is the initial management for a patient with thrombocytopenia and abnormal bleeding time, possibly indicating immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Avoiding surgery and medications that can worsen thrombocytopenia is crucial to prevent bleeding complications. Prednisone (B) is not the first-line treatment for ITP, especially without confirming the diagnosis. Monoclonal antibody therapy (C) such as rituximab is usually reserved for refractory cases. Splenectomy (D) is considered only if other treatments fail as a last resort.