a nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis which of the following laboratory values should the nurse expect to be elevated

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam 180 Questions Quizlet

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse expect to be elevated?

A. Serum albumin.
B. Ammonia.
C. Bilirubin.
D. Prothrombin time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ammonia. In clients with cirrhosis, impaired liver function can lead to elevated levels of ammonia in the blood. Elevated ammonia levels can result in hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by altered mental status. Serum albumin (Choice A) is typically decreased in cirrhosis due to the liver's reduced synthetic function. Bilirubin (Choice C) levels can be elevated in liver disease but may not always be the most specific marker for cirrhosis. Prothrombin time (Choice D) is prolonged in cirrhosis due to impaired liver synthesis of clotting factors.

2. A nurse is teaching a client who is at 10 weeks gestation about the amniocentesis procedure. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. This test will confirm whether your baby has a genetic disorder.
B. Amniocentesis is used to assess your baby's lung maturity.
C. You should not feel any pain during this procedure.
D. This test will assess the amount of amniotic fluid around your baby.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because amniocentesis is a procedure that confirms genetic disorders by analyzing the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. Choice B is incorrect because amniocentesis is not used to assess lung maturity. Choice C is incorrect because some discomfort or pain may be felt during the procedure. Choice D is incorrect because amniocentesis does not primarily assess the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby.

3. A client with a new diagnosis of Crohn's disease is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which statement by the client demonstrates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I should eat more fiber to help with my bowel movements.
B. I will need to have routine colonoscopies to monitor my condition.
C. I will limit my intake of whole grains.
D. I should consume a low-fat diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients with Crohn's disease require routine colonoscopies to monitor disease progression and complications. This helps healthcare providers assess the status of the disease and make informed treatment decisions. Choice A is incorrect because while fiber may be beneficial for some digestive conditions, it can exacerbate symptoms in Crohn's disease. Choice C is incorrect as whole grains can be a good source of nutrients unless they individually trigger symptoms in the client. Choice D is also incorrect since a low-fat diet is not a specific requirement for managing Crohn's disease.

4. What is the first action to take when a patient experiences a seizure?

A. Protect the patient from injury
B. Administer oxygen
C. Administer IV fluids
D. Administer anti-seizure medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The first action to take when a patient experiences a seizure is to protect the patient from injury. This is crucial to prevent harm during the seizure. Administering oxygen, IV fluids, or anti-seizure medication may be necessary based on the patient's condition, but ensuring their safety by removing harmful objects, cushioning their head, and keeping the area clear is the immediate priority. Administering oxygen, IV fluids, or medication would come after ensuring the patient's safety.

5. What is the best initial action when a patient presents with confusion?

A. Administer IV fluids
B. Perform a neurological assessment
C. Administer electrolytes
D. Prepare for a CT scan

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient presents with confusion, the best initial action is to perform a neurological assessment. This assessment helps in identifying potential causes of confusion such as neurological issues, infections, metabolic abnormalities, or medication side effects. Administering IV fluids (Choice A) may be necessary based on assessment findings, but it is not the first step. Administering electrolytes (Choice C) would also depend on the assessment results. Preparing for a CT scan (Choice D) may be indicated later in the diagnostic process but is not the initial action when a patient presents with confusion.