A nurse is caring for a 2-year-old child who has Clostridium difficile.

Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is a sexually transmitted infection that is reportable to public health authorities due to its potential for spreading rapidly within a population and its significant public health implications. Reporting cases of Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection allows for appropriate monitoring, treatment, and control measures to be implemented to prevent further transmission and protect public health.

Sarcoptes scabiei, which causes scabies, is a contagious skin infestation but is not typically a reportable condition to the state health department.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection, but it is not generally reportable unless it is associated with certain high-risk strains and leads to specific conditions such as cervical cancer.

Impetigo contagiosa, a bacterial skin infection, is not usually a reportable condition unless there is an outbreak or unusual circumstances warranting public health intervention.

Explanation

D, Elevated ammonia

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the progressive scarring of liver tissue. As liver function becomes impaired, there is a decrease in the liver's ability to metabolize and detoxify substances, including ammonia. Elevated ammonia levels in the blood, known as hyperammonemia, are commonly seen in clients with advanced cirrhosis.

Elevated amylase in (option A) is incorrect because it is typically seen in conditions affecting the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, and is not specific to cirrhosis.

Decreased bilirubin levels in (option B) is incorrect because they are not expected in cirrhosis. In fact, bilirubin levels are often elevated in cirrhosis due to impaired liver function and the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.

Elevated lipase in (option C) is incorrect because it is typically seen in pancreatic disorders, such as pancreatitis, and is not specific to cirrhosis.