CRITICAL THINKING

Question Answered step-by-step CRITICAL THINKINGRead the following case study and answer the questions.Ms. Bettina Smythe has been diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy (HE) secondary to cirrhosis. During the admission process, the nurse notes the following findings: abdomen grossly distended, yellow sclerae and skin, multiple bruises, and pitting edema of the lower extremities. The nurse also notes that Ms. Smythe is irritable and that she has difficulty answering questions and appears to doze off frequently during the interview. The nurse observes that Ms. Smythe scratches her arms and legs frequently. Her laboratory data indicate that her serum bilirubin, ammonia, and prothrombin time are elevated and that her serum albumin, total protein, and potassium are below normal.1. What data support the diagnosis of cirrhosis?2. What data suggest that Ms. Smythe has HE? What other evidence might the nurse observe?3. Why is Ms. Smythe exhibiting pitting edema and abdominal distention?4. What medical treatments can the nurse expect will be ordered for HE?Two days after Ms. Smythe is admitted, there is bright red blood in her emesis. Ms. Smythe also reports feeling cold, and her pulse is 115 beats per minute and thready. The nurse calls for help and places Ms. Smythe on her side.5. What further treatment can be anticipated for Ms. Smythe?6. What observations should be made to detect bleeding from lack of clotting factors?7. What nursing measures can be provided to help Ms. Smythe maintain her fluid balance?8. What should Ms. Smythe be taught about taking acetaminophen (Tylenol)? Why?  Health Science Science Nursing NURSING 132L Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)