CCRN Gastrointestinal and Renal Care 4

Question 1

A patient with esophageal varices is actively bleeding. Which medication reduces portal pressure?

Accepted Answer

Octreotide

Answer

Octreotide causes splanchnic vasoconstriction, lowering portal pressure and reducing variceal bleeding.

Question 2

Which assessment finding indicates a complication after a paracentesis?

Accepted Answer

Hypotension and tachycardia

Answer

Rapid fluid removal can cause intravascular volume shifts leading to hypotension and tachycardia.

Question 3

A patient with acute kidney injury has a fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) less than 1%. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

Prerenal cause

Answer

A FENa below 1% indicates sodium retention from a prerenal cause such as hypoperfusion.

Question 4

Which dietary modification is appropriate for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Moderate protein restriction during acute episodes

Answer

Temporary moderate protein restriction reduces ammonia production during acute encephalopathy.

Question 5

A patient with ascites and a tense, distended abdomen reports new fever and abdominal pain. What complication should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Answer

Fever and abdominal pain in a patient with ascites suggest spontaneous bacterial peritonitis requiring paracentesis.

CCRN Review Practice Test