A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of liver disease. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Choice A Reason: Autoimmune disorder affecting the bones

Osteoporosis is not an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders involve the immune system attacking the body’s own tissues, which is not the case with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is primarily characterized by a decrease in bone density and mass, leading to fragile bones.

Choice B Reason: Buildup of inflammation in the joints

While inflammation can affect bone health, osteoporosis is not primarily caused by inflammation in the joints. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis involve joint inflammation, but osteoporosis involves the loss of bone density and strength, not joint inflammation.

Choice C Reason: Increase in calcium levels in the blood

An increase in calcium levels in the blood is not a characteristic of osteoporosis. In fact, osteoporosis often involves a decrease in bone calcium content, leading to weaker bones. Hypercalcemia, or high calcium levels in the blood, is associated with other conditions such as hyperparathyroidism.

Choice D Reason: Bone loss in the cortical and cancellous bones

This is the correct description of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis involves the loss of bone density in both the cortical (hard outer layer) and cancellous (spongy inner layer) bones. This loss leads to bones becoming brittle and more susceptible to fractures.

Choice A Reason:

Nutritional therapy focuses on dietary needs and ensuring patients receive adequate nutrition. While this is important for overall health, it does not directly address the swallowing difficulties experienced by patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Choice B Reason:

This is the correct answer. Speech therapy is essential for patients with Parkinson’s disease who have difficulty swallowing. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are trained to assess and treat swallowing disorders (dysphagia). They can provide exercises and strategies to improve swallowing function and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Choice C Reason:

Occupational therapy helps patients with daily living activities and improving motor skills. While occupational therapists can assist with feeding techniques, they do not specialize in treating swallowing disorders.

Choice D Reason:

Respiratory therapy focuses on breathing and lung function. It is not directly related to swallowing difficulties, although respiratory therapists may be involved if there are complications such as aspiration pneumonia.