A client with a history of chronic hepatitis C infection asks the nurse about the risk of developing liver cirrhosis. Which response by the nurse is accurate?
"Hepatitis C infection does not increase the risk of liver cirrhosis."
"The risk of liver cirrhosis is higher if you have hepatitis D co-infection."
"Liver cirrhosis is more likely to develop if you have a history of hepatitis B."
"Chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to liver cirrhosis over time."
The Correct Answer is D
A) This statement is incorrect. Chronic hepatitis C infection is a significant risk factor for liver cirrhosis, and individuals with this infection require regular monitoring and appropriate medical management to prevent or delay the progression of cirrhosis.
B) While hepatitis D co-infection can worsen the course of chronic hepatitis B or C infection, it does not diminish the significance of hepatitis C infection as a risk factor for liver cirrhosis.
C) While chronic hepatitis B infection is also a known risk factor for liver cirrhosis, the client's history of hepatitis C infection is more relevant to the risk of developing cirrhosis in this case.
D) Chronic hepatitis C infection is a well-established risk factor for liver cirrhosis. The hepatitis C virus causes persistent inflammation in the liver, leading to liver cell damage and scarring (fibrosis). Over time, this fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, which is the advanced stage of liver damage.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) typically appears later in the course of liver cirrhosis and is usually associated with more advanced liver damage.
B) Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, is a later manifestation of liver cirrhosis and usually occurs after significant liver damage has occurred.
C) Spider angiomas, also known as spider nevi or spider telangiectasias, are dilated blood vessels that appear as small red spots with tiny radiating legs. They are a common early sign of liver cirrhosis and result from increased pressure in the superficial blood vessels due to impaired liver function. Spider angiomas are often found on the face, neck, upper trunk, and arms.
D) Hepatic encephalopathy, a neuropsychiatric complication of advanced liver disease, is also a later manifestation of liver cirrhosis and is not an early sign of the condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Jaundice refers to the yellowing of the skin and eyes and is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. While jaundice can be associated with liver cirrhosis, it does not describe the symptom of severe itching.
Pruritus refers to severe itching of the skin, which can occur in clients with liver cirrhosis due to the buildup of bile acids in the blood and skin. Elevated levels of bile acids can irritate the skin, leading to itching.
Hematemesis refers to vomiting of blood and is not related to the symptom of severe itching.
Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is not related to the symptom of severe itching.
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