Which of the following clients in a hospital medical unit is most ...

[bobthebuilder]

Which of the following clients in a hospital medical unit is most clearly demonstrating the signs and symptoms of liver failure? An adult with
 
  A)
  low hemoglobin levels, low platelet levels, and spider angiomas present.
  B)
  blood pressure of 189/103, jaundice, and multiple thromboses.
  C)
  sudden onset of confusion, a history of alcohol abuse, and low levels of serum AST and ALT.
  D)
  ascites, fever, and recent onset of atrial fibrillation.

Question 2

A nurse who works on an oncology ward is providing care for a 68-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of lung cancer with bone metastases.
 
  The client is experiencing rapid weight loss and is exhibiting the signs and symptoms of malnutrition. The nurse would recognize that which of the following factors is most likely contributing to the client's malnutrition?
  A)
  Autoimmune responses associated with acute illness are inhibiting anabolism.
  B)
  Chronic hypoxia is precluding many of the aerobic processes required in body maintenance and repair.
  C)
  Protein mass is being lost from the liver and other organs, and the liver is synthesizing fewer serum proteins.
  D)
  Intestinal malabsorption is occurring as a result of tumor metastases.

[tashiedavis420]

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
A

Feedback:

Anemia, thrombocytopenia, and the presence of spider angiomas are characteristic of liver failure. High blood pressure, excessive clotting, fever, and cardiac arrhythmias are not common symptoms of liver failure, and AST and ALT levels would rise, not fall.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
C

Feedback:

Ill individuals are prone to disruption in protein balance, in which protein breakdown exceeds protein rebuilding. Protein mass is lost from the liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and heart. As protein is lost from the liver, hepatic synthesis of serum proteins decreases and decreased levels of serum proteins are observed. Autoimmune processes, hypoxia, and malabsorption as a result of metastases are unlikely factors.