A patient with advanced cirrhosis develops esophageal varices. ...

[jake]

A patient with advanced cirrhosis develops esophageal varices. The nurse anticipates that this complication will be addressed by which type of medication(s)? (select all that apply.)
 
  a. Vasodilators
  b. Intravenous (IV) vasopressin (Pitressin)
  c. IV iron
  d. Beta blockers
  e. Vitamin K

Question 2

The patient received a preoperative dose of lorazepam (Ativan) 20 minutes ago. Which safety precaution should the nurse take?
 
  a. Monitor respiratory status.
  b. Raise the bed rails.
  c. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees.
  d. Take seizure precautions.

[aprice35067]

Answer to Question 1

B, D, E
Treatment options include administration of parenteral vasopressors such as vasopressin (Pitres-sin) to lower portal pressure, a beta blocker to lower blood pressure, and vitamin K to help rectify clotting factor deficiencies. Vasoconstrictors (not vasodilators) such as somatostatin (Zecnil) and octreotide (Sandostatin) are used to reduce portal blood flow, and iron may exacerbate liver failure.

Answer to Question 2

B
Raising the bed rails is a safety precaution against the dizziness and hypotension caused by this drug.