A client with liver cirrhosis complains of difficulty sleeping at night due to frequent awakenings caused by shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect as the most likely cause of the client's symptom?

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Portal hypertension

Hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatopulmonary syndrome

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Hepatocellular carcinoma is a type of liver cancer and can be a complication of liver cirrhosis. However, it is not typically associated with difficulty sleeping or shortness of breath.

B) Portal hypertension, a common complication of liver cirrhosis, can lead to the development of ascites and esophageal varices, among other manifestations. It is not the likely cause of the client's difficulty sleeping and shortness of breath.

C) Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric complication of advanced liver disease and is not associated with difficulty sleeping or shortness of breath.

D) Hepatopulmonary syndrome is a complication of liver cirrhosis characterized by the development of pulmonary vascular dilation and arteriovenous shunting. This results in impaired oxygenation of blood, leading to difficulty breathing (dyspnea), especially while lying down (orthopnea). Clients with hepatopulmonary syndrome often experience frequent awakenings due to shortness of breath during sleep.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Encouraging the client to lie on the right side after a liver biopsy is essential because this position helps to apply pressure to the biopsy site, reducing the risk of bleeding.
B. While administering pain medication may be necessary, it is not the primary nursing action following a liver biopsy compared to ensuring hemostasis and preventing complications.
C. Monitoring vital signs is important, but in this case, vital signs should be checked more frequently than every 4 hours to assess for complications like bleeding. Initial monitoring is typically every 15 minutes for the first hour and then every 30 minutes to hourly based on facility protocols.
D. Although maintaining a supine position is typically advised, the focus should be on the right side position to ensure proper hemostasis following the biopsy procedure.

A. Lactulose B. Furosemide C. Propranolol D. Spironolactone

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

B) Furosemide is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention in clients with cirrhosis but is not effective in reducing ammonia levels or managing hepatic encephalopathy.

C) Propranolol is a beta-blocker often prescribed to reduce portal hypertension and prevent variceal bleeding in clients with liver cirrhosis. It is not used to treat hepatic encephalopathy.

D) Spironolactone is a diuretic used to manage fluid retention and ascites in clients with liver cirrhosis. Like furosemide, it is not effective in reducing ammonia levels or treating hepatic encephalopathy.

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A client with liver cirrhosis complains of difficulty sleeping at night due to frequent awakenings caused by shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect as the most likely cause of the client's symptom?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with suspected liver cirrhosis undergoes a liver biopsy. Which nursing action is essential following the procedure?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with liver cirrhosis is experiencing episodes of hepatic encephalopathy. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to help reduce ammonia levels in the blood?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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