A client with advanced cirrhosis has been admitted to the medical-surgical unit. The nurse is assessing the client and identifies which of the following findings as indicators of hepatic encephalopathy? (Select all that apply).

Asterixis

Change in orientation

Anorexia

Ascites

Fetor hepaticus

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,E

Choice A reason: Asterixis, also known as "liver flap," is a tremor of the hand when the wrist is extended, often seen in hepatic encephalopathy as a result of altered brain function.

Choice B reason: A change in orientation, including confusion and altered consciousness, is a hallmark of hepatic encephalopathy, reflecting the brain's impaired ability to process information.

Choice C reason: Anorexia may be present in cirrhosis, but it is not a specific indicator of hepatic encephalopathy.

Choice D reason: Ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis due to portal hypertension but is not a direct indicator of hepatic encephalopathy.

Choice E reason: Fetor hepaticus, a musty odor of the breath, is a distinctive symptom of hepatic encephalopathy caused by the presence of mercaptans in the breath as the liver fails to break down sulfur-containing amino acids.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:Placing a cool cloth on the forehead may provide comfort but does not address intracranial pressure, which could be causing the headache[^10^].

Choice B reason:Elevating the head of the bed 30 degrees helps to decrease intracranial pressure and can alleviate headache symptoms associated with a closed head injury[^10^].

Choice C reason:Administering morphine for pain relief should be done with caution, as it can depress respiration and mask changes in the level of consciousness, which are important indicators of neurological status[^10^].

Choice D reason:A lumbar puncture is contraindicated in the presence of increased intracranial pressure due to the risk of brain herniation[^10^].

A. Evaluate for asterixis B. Palpate for peripheral edema C. Evaluate for decreased level of consciousness D. Inspect for petechiae

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Asterixis, also known as “liver flap,” is a type of tremor characterized by rapid, nonrhythmic extensions and flexions in the wrist and fingers. It is associated with hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that can occur with severe liver disease, but it is not a direct indicator of low albumin levels.

Choice B reason: Peripheral edema is a common clinical finding in patients with hypoalbuminemia, which is a low level of albumin in the blood. When albumin levels are low, fluid from the bloodstream can leak into body tissues, causing swelling, especially in the lower limbs. When assessing a client with liver disease and low albumin levels, palpating for peripheral edema would be the most relevant nursing assessment, as it directly correlates with the effects of hypoalbuminemia on fluid balance in the body. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps keep fluid in your blood vessels and plays a role in transporting substances throughout your body. Low levels of albumin can lead to fluid leaking out of blood vessels into tissues, causing swelling or edema.

Choice C reason: Decreased level of consciousness can be a sign of various conditions, including hepatic encephalopathy or other complications of liver disease, but it is not specifically indicative of low albumin levels.

Choice D reason: Petechiae are small red or purple spots caused by bleeding into the skin and may be associated with various conditions, including liver disease, but they are not a specific sign of low albumin levels.

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A client with advanced cirrhosis has been admitted to the medical-surgical unit. The nurse is assessing the client and identifies which of the following findings as indicators of hepatic encephalopathy? (Select all that apply).

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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