A patient has a blood ammonia level of 115 mcg/dL.As a result of this lab value, a nurse should assess the patient for clinical signs and symptoms such as:

Question

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A blood ammonia level of 115 mcg/dL indicates a potential liver dysfunction, and a high level of ammonia in the blood can lead to neurological symptoms. Confusion, combativeness, and decreased level of consciousness are common signs and symptoms of hyperammonemia. Agitation, anxiety, excessive weight gain are not associated with hyperammonemia. Decreased breath sounds, hyperactivity, and diarrhea are also not typical of hyperammonemia. Hypertension, headache, and hyporeflexia are also not specific to hyperammonemia.

A Patient Has a Blood Ammonia Level of 115 Mcg/dL