One potential side effect associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stomach irritation and bleeding. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can lead to stomach irritation and bleeding by affecting the gastric mucosa. Stomatitis and esophagitis (choice B) are not commonly associated with NSAIDs. Impaired folate absorption (choice C) is not a typical side effect of NSAIDs. Increased potassium excretion (choice D) is not a common side effect of NSAIDs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hepatic encephalopathy is caused by the buildup of ammonia in the body. Ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, normally gets converted to urea in the liver for excretion. However, in liver dysfunction, such as cirrhosis, the liver cannot effectively convert ammonia to urea, leading to its accumulation in the body and subsequently causing hepatic encephalopathy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vitamin K. Warfarin inhibits the action of vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting. By interfering with the production of certain clotting factors, warfarin helps prevent blood clots. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because warfarin primarily affects the vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and not platelets, calcium, or vitamin B12.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Patients on long-term steroid therapy should be monitored for osteoporosis due to the medication's potential to decrease bone density. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. While long-term steroid therapy can also lead to hyperglycemia, hypothyroidism, and hypertension, the primary concern and most common risk associated with prolonged steroid use is osteoporosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed an oral anticoagulant, the nurse should monitor for signs of bleeding. Oral anticoagulants work by inhibiting the blood's ability to clot, which increases the risk of bleeding. Monitoring for signs of bleeding such as easy bruising, petechiae, hematuria, or bleeding gums is crucial to prevent complications. Elevated blood glucose (Choice A) is not directly related to oral anticoagulant use. Decreased blood pressure (Choice B) is not a common effect of oral anticoagulants. Increased appetite (Choice D) is not a typical side effect of oral anticoagulants and is not a primary concern when monitoring a patient on this medication.