A telehealth nurse speaks with a client who is recovering from a ...

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A telehealth nurse speaks with a client who is recovering from a liver transplant 2 weeks ago. The client states, I am experiencing right flank pain and have a temperature of 101  F. How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. The anti-rejection drugs you are taking make you susceptible to infection.
  b. You should go to the hospital immediately to have your new liver checked out.
  c. You should take an additional dose of cyclosporine today.
  d. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4 hours until you feel better.

Question 2

After teaching a client who has alcohol-induced cirrhosis, a nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for additional teaching?
 
  a. I cannot drink any alcohol at all anymore.
  b. I need to avoid protein in my diet.
  c. I should not take over-the-counter medications.
  d. I should eat small, frequent, balanced meals.

[aburgess]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Fever, right quadrant or flank pain, and jaundice are signs of liver transplant rejection; the client should be admitted to the hospital as soon as possible for intervention. Anti-rejection drugs do make a client more susceptible to infection, but this client has signs of rejection, not infection. The nurse should not advise the client to take an additional dose of cyclosporine or acetaminophen as these medications will not treat the acute rejection.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Based on the degree of liver involvement and decreased function, protein intake may have to be decreased. However, some protein is necessary for the synthesis of albumin and normal healing. The other statements indicate accurate understanding of self-care measures for this client.