Answer to Question 1
Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: A reduction in plasma protein levels occurs as liver function declines. This will not affect urine output.
Rationale 2: Urine output will be affected when glomerular filtration rate is decreased, not increased. Glomerular filtration rate will be decreased in the elderly, not increased.
Rationale 3: Changes in body fat are not related to urine output.
Rationale 4: A decline in renal function, especially if acute, would best explain why the client has not urinated.
Global Rationale: A decline in renal function, especially if acute, would best explain why the client has not urinated. A reduction in plasma protein levels occurs as liver function declines. This will not affect urine output. Urine output will be affected when glomerular filtration rate is decreased, not increased. Glomerular filtration rate will be decreased in the elderly, not increased. Changes in body fat are not related to urine output.
Answer to Question 2
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: Blood flow to the liver is indeed decreased, but this is not related to protein binding.
Rationale 2: If the drug is protein-bound, a decrease in albumin will result in higher concentrations of free drug and increased pharmacologic effects.
Rationale 3: Pharmacodynamics is unrelated to protein binding.
Rationale 4: Renal elimination will be unchanged or increased.
Global Rationale: If the drug is protein-bound, a decrease in albumin will result in higher concentrations of free drug and increased pharmacologic effects. Blood flow to the liver is indeed decreased, but this is not related to protein binding. Pharmacodynamics is unrelated to protein binding. Renal elimination will be unchanged or increased.