A 51-year-old patient with a history of alcohol abuse and liver ...

[ssal]

A 51-year-old patient with a history of alcohol abuse and liver disease has low serum levels of albumin and presents with ascites (excess fluid in his peritoneal space) and jaundice.
 
  A health care professional would recognize that which of the following processes is most likely underlying his health problems?
  A)
  Low albumin is contributing to excess hydrostatic pressure and inappropriate fluid distribution.
  B)
  Low albumin is inducing hypertension and increased filtration of fluid into interstitial spaces.
  C)
  Insufficient albumin is causing insufficient absorption of fluid into the capillaries.
  D)
  Low albumin contributing to an inability to counter gravitational effects.

Question 2

While intubated for surgery, a patient has inadvertently had his vagus nerve stimulated. What effect would the surgical team expect to observe?
 
  A)
  Decreased vascular perfusion due to parasympathetic stimulation
  B)
  Decreased heart rate, contractility, and afterload
  C)
  Decreased heart rate as a result of parasympathetic innervation of the heart
  D)
  Decreased heart rate as a result of impaired acetylcholine reuptake

[okolip]

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
C

Feedback:

Deficits of plasma proteins like albumin result in insufficient amounts of fluid being absorbed into the capillary circulation by osmotic pressure. It is not a result of hydrostatic pressure, hypertension, or the effects of gravity.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
C

Feedback:

Vagal stimulation results in lowered heart rate as a result of parasympathetic stimulation. Vascular perfusion, contractility, and afterload would not be under direct effect. Acetylcholine reuptake would not be influenced.

[ssal]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[milbourne11]

Excellent