A patient admitted to the emergency department with abdominal pain tells the nurse he has been taking kava. Which action is the nurse's priority at this time?
A) Review liver function studies.
B) Assess breath sounds and respiratory effort.
C) Monitor cardiovascular status.
D) Review complete blood count results.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Kava can cause severe liver injury and, in some cases, require liver transplantation. This patient has abdominal pain, which can be the result of liver damage, so liver function tests should be reviewed. Kava does not affect the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, or the blood-forming organs.

A Patient Admitted to the Emergency Department with Abdominal Pain