A client with chronic cirrhosis has esophageal varices.
It is most important for the nurse to monitor the client for the onset of which problem?

Choice A rationale:
Anorexia is a common symptom of cirrhosis, but it is not the most immediate concern in a client with esophageal varices.
Anorexia can result from various factors, including impaired liver function, hormonal imbalances, early satiety due to ascites,
and nausea.
While it's important to address anorexia to maintain nutritional status, it doesn't directly indicate a life-threatening
complication like bleeding varices.
Choice B rationale:
Brown, foamy urine is a characteristic of kidney problems, specifically proteinuria.
It's not directly associated with esophageal varices or their complications.
While cirrhosis can affect kidney function due to fluid imbalances and impaired filtering, brown, foamy urine wouldn't be the
primary indicator of bleeding varices.
Choice C rationale:
Clay-colored stool is a sign of biliary obstruction, which can occur in cirrhosis due to impaired bile flow.
However, it's not a direct indicator of bleeding varices.
Clay-colored stool results from a lack of bile pigments in the stool, which give it its typical brown color.
Choice D rationale:
Hematemesis, or vomiting of blood, is the most critical symptom to monitor in a client with esophageal varices.
Here's why:
Esophageal varices are enlarged, swollen veins in the esophagus that develop due to increased pressure in the portal venous
system, a common consequence of cirrhosis.
These varices are fragile and prone to rupture, which can lead to massive, life-threatening bleeding.
Hematemesis is a clear sign that variceal bleeding has occurred and requires immediate intervention.

The correct answer is choice A, C, and D.

Choice A rationale:

The patient’s oxygen saturation is at 94%, which is just below the normal range of 95-100% for healthy adults breathing room air. Administering oxygen 2 to 4 liters to maintain oxygen saturation at or above 95% is a standard intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation.

Choice B rationale:

A stat ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan is typically ordered for suspected pulmonary embolism, which is not indicated by the patient’s current data. The patient’s symptoms do not specifically suggest a V/Q mismatch that would necessitate this diagnostic test.

Choice C rationale:

A chest x-ray is a common diagnostic tool for evaluating the lungs and heart, especially when a patient presents with symptoms that may indicate respiratory or cardiac issues. Given the patient’s temperature and heart rate, which are slightly elevated, a chest x-ray can help identify any potential underlying conditions.

Choice D rationale:

Ordering a CBC, BMP, and blood cultures can help identify the cause of the patient’s fever and tachycardia. These tests provide valuable information about the patient’s immune response, electrolyte balance, kidney function, and whether there is a bacterial infection.

Choice E rationale:

While sending sputum for culture and sensitivity could be helpful if a respiratory infection is suspected, the patient’s data does not strongly indicate a respiratory infection as the primary issue. Therefore, this test may not be the most immediate need.