1. Right Answer: D
Explanation: (A) Chronic alcoholism can lead to deficiencies of B complex vitamins including thiamine and pyroxidine. (B) Chronic alcoholism can lead to deficiencies of vitamins A, D, K, and B complex. (C) Chronic alcoholism can lead to deficiencies of vitamins A, D, K, and B complex. (D) Vitamins A, D, K, and B require bile salts to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. A damaged liver does not form bile salts.
2. Right Answer: C
Explanation: (A, B, D) These foods are high in protein, which needs to be restricted. (C) Serum ammonia levels can be decreased by restricting dietary protein intake. Waffles, honey, and orange juice are high in carbohydrate and low or completely lacking in protein. Butter, a concentrated fat, will provide extra calories.
3. Right Answer: C
Explanation: (A) Hiccups are not a sign of impending hepatic coma. (B) Anorexia is not a sign of impending hepatic coma. (C) One of the earliest symptoms of hepatic coma is mental confusion. Asterixis, a flapping tremor of the hand, may also be seen. (D) This sign is associated with the later stages of hepatic coma. Fetor hepaticus, a characteristic odor on the breath that smells like acetone, may sometimes be noted when the liver fails.
4. Right Answer: A
Explanation: (A) Neomycin interferes with protein synthesis in the bacterial cell, causing bacterial death. Neomycin reduces the growth of the ammonia-producing bacteria in the intestines and is used for the treatment of hepatic coma. (B) This choice describes the action of lactulose, another drug commonly used to decrease systemic ammonia levels. (C) Neomycins action doesnotdecrease uptake of vitamin D to reduce serum ammonia levels. (D) Bowel irritation with diarrhea is more likely to occur with administration of lactulose rather than of neomycin. Besides, diarrhea is a side effect of a drug, not the action of the drug.
5. Right Answer: D
Explanation: (A) The chloride level is within acceptable limits. (B) The sodium level is within acceptable limits. (C) This value indicates hypokalemia, rather than the hyperkalemia that occurs during diabetic ketoacidosis. (D) When diabetic ketoacidosis exists, intracellular dehydration occurs and potassium leaves the cells and enters the vascular system, thus increasing the serum level beyond an acceptable range. When insulin and fluids are administered, cell walls are repaired and potassium is transported back into the cells. Normal serum potassium levels range from 3.55.0 mEq/L.
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