Question 1

The nurse palpates a client's abdomen and notes the liver below the costal margin. What does this finding indicate?

Accepted Answer

Palpating the liver below the costal margin typically indicates hepatomegaly, which is an enlargement of the liver.

Question 2

When palpating an infant's liver, what does the nurse understand is true?

Accepted Answer

In infants, the liver is proportionally larger and more superficial compared to adults, making it easier to palpate.

Question 3

The nurse cares for a client with impaired liver function. Impaired metabolism of which substances may occur based on the client's condition? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A, D, E

Question 4

A client with end-stage liver failure is admitted with severe cirrhosis. What is the nurse's understanding of the pathophysiology of cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client with end-stage liver failure is...

Question 5

A client with liver failure is diagnosed with malnutrition. Which vitamin deficiencies does the nurse understand the client is at greatest risk for developing? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The liver is crucial for the storage and metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). In liver failure, these processes are impaired, leading to deficiencies in these vitamins. Vitamin C is water-soluble and not stored in the liver, so it is less likely to be affected by liver failure.

Question 6

A client with liver disease displays alterations in coagulation. Which coagulation factors does the nurse understand may be impaired due to the client's liver dysfunction of clotting factor synthesis? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client with liver disease displays alterations...

Question 7

The nurse cares for a client with chronic alcohol abuse. Which laboratory finding does the nurse recognize as evidence of liver damage?

Accepted Answer

ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) is an enzyme found in the liver. An elevated ALT level can indicate liver damage, which is common in chronic alcohol abuse. While 50 unit/L is not extremely high, it is elevated and suggests liver stress or damage.

Question 8

A client with cholelithiasis asks the nurse, "What caused this?" Which factors might the nurse include in the response? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Diet and body weight are factors that can contribute to cholelithiasis.

Question 9

A nurse working in oncology notes an overall increase in clients with pancreatic cancer. What does the nurse associate with the overall increase in pancreatic cancer? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Diabetes mellitus, obesity, and an aging population are known risk factors associated with an increased incidence of pancreatic cancer.

Question 10

The nurse cares for a client with liver failure and monitors the client for hepatic encephalopathy. Which findings does the nurse recognize as the earliest signs of hepatic encephalopathy? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse cares for a client with...

Question 11

The nurse cares for a client with portal hypertension who is diagnosed with asterixis. Which assessment finding corresponds with the client's diagnosis of asterixis?

Accepted Answer

Asterixis is characterized by a muscle tremor and a downward flap of the hand, often seen in patients with liver disease and associated with portal hypertension.

Question 12

A client with portal hypertension has bluish veins just under the skin of the abdomen that radiate out across the umbilicus. Which pathophysiological factors does the nurse recognize causes this condition? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Increased fluid in the abdomen and increased abdominal pressure contribute to the development of collateral circulation, leading to the appearance of bluish veins (caput medusae) in portal hypertension.

Question 13

A nurse cares for a client diagnosed with a serous cystadenoma of the pancreas. What statement will the nurse include when teaching the client about the condition?

Accepted Answer

Serous cystadenomas of the pancreas are typically benign and rarely become cancerous.

Question 14

The nurse reviews the health care provider prescriptions for a client diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Which prescription will the nurse question?

Accepted Answer

A clear liquid diet may not be appropriate for a client with acute pancreatitis as it can stimulate pancreatic enzyme secretion, potentially worsening the condition. The nurse should question this prescription.

Question 15

A public health nurse is examining the incidence rates of gallbladder cancer in the United States. Which population does the nurse learn is at greatest risk for developing this type of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Older adults are at the greatest risk for developing gallbladder cancer, as the incidence of this type of cancer increases with age.

Question 16

The nurse cares for a client with liver failure and impaired bilirubin clearance. What does the nurse know is true regarding bilirubin?

Accepted Answer

Bilirubin is a waste product formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Question 17

A nurse cares for a client with alcoholic hepatitis. Which early manifestations of liver impairment does the nurse recognize on assessment? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse cares for a client with...

Question 18

The nurse researcher is examining the factors that lead to liver cancer. What does the nurse recognize begins the process of cellular transformation in liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

Inflammation is the initial step in the process of cellular transformation in liver cancer.

Question 19

A client with liver failure is diagnosed with cirrhosis. What is the nurse's understanding of the primary dysfunction related to this condition?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis involves fibrosis of the liver tissue, which leads to constriction and increased pressure in the blood vessels, particularly the portal vein, causing portal hypertension.

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a client with liver cancer whose diagnosis was delayed after months of non-specific complaints. What leads to delayed diagnosis of liver damage? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is caring for a client...

Quiz 43: Disorders of the Exocrine Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Systems