A patient has been admitted to the critical care unit from the subacute medical unit because his ...

A patient has been admitted to the critical care unit from the subacute medical unit because his signs and symptoms of liver failure have become more pronounced over the past 24 hours.
 
  The critical care nurse who is planning this patient's care should prioritize which of the following nursing diagnoses?
  A) Risk for bleeding related to complications of liver failure
  B) Knowledge deficit related to the causes of liver failure
  C) Bowel incontinence related to treatments for liver failure
  D) Risk for impaired gas exchange related to complications of liver failure

Question 2

A patient has presented to the emergency room with a fracture of the nose that has resulted in a skin tear and involvement of the mucous membranes of the nasal passages.
 
  The emergency room nurse is aware that this description likely indicates which type of fracture?
  A) Compression
  B) Open
  C) Impacted
  D) Transverse

Question 3

A 50-year-old woman has a long history of hospital admissions related to alcohol abuse and consequent liver failure. During this present admission, the patient has been diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy and prescribed lactulose (Cephulac).
 
  During morning report, the nurse learns that the previous nurse withheld the patient's latest dose of lactulose because the patient had two loose bowel movements during the shift. How should the nurse interpret the previous nurse's action?
  A) The previous nurse acted correctly because loose bowel movements present a threat to the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance.
  B) The previous nurse should have obtained an order for a stool softener to replace the scheduled lactulose.
  C) The previous nurse should have administered the lactulose because it is necessary to remove excess ammonia.
  D) The previous nurse should have administered a partial dose of the lactulose in spite of the patient's bowel movements.

Question 4

A 49-year-old man with a history of heavy alcohol use and liver cirrhosis has been admitted to the hospital's medical unit due to an exacerbation of his health problems that has resulted in massive ascites.
 
  The nurse should be prepared to implement which of the following interventions in an effort to resolve the patient's ascites?
  A) High Fowler's positioning and fluid restriction
  B) Low-sodium diet and administration of diuretics
  C) Peritoneal massage and administration of hypertonic IV solutions
  D) Low-protein diet and administration of IV albumin

Question 5

A patient with a primary diagnosis of colorectal cancer has developed bone metastases in recent weeks.
 
  When reviewing this patient's daily blood work, the nurse should be aware that secondary bone tumors create a significant risk of what electrolyte imbalance?
  A) Hypokalemia
  B) Hypercalcemia
  C) Hyponatremia
  D) Hyperchloremia