A nurse is caring for a patient who has cirrhosis of the liver and is having difficulty eliminating alcohol consumption because many of their friends drink alcohol socially.
Which of the following steps should the nurse include to motivate the patient to change?

Choice A rationale
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that can detect and monitor inflammation in the body. It measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) in a test tube separate from blood serum over time, with the rate being faster in people with inflammatory diseases. While it can be elevated in many conditions, including liver disease, it is not specific to liver disease and therefore would not typically be used to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.
Choice B rationale
D-dimer is a small protein fragment present in the blood after a blood clot is degraded by fibrinolysis. It is typically used to rule out thrombosis (blood clots), not to diagnose liver disease.
Choice C rationale
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver and sent into the bloodstream in response to inflammation. While it can be elevated in many conditions, including liver disease, it is not specific to liver disease and therefore would not typically be used to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.

Choice D rationale
Albumin is a protein made by the liver, and measuring its levels can help diagnose liver disease. When the liver is damaged, it can’t make enough albumin, so the level of albumin in the blood gets lower. This is why albumin is often used as a marker of liver function, and why it would be anticipated in the laboratory values ordered to confirm a diagnosis of liver disease.
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Choice A rationale
Hepatitis C is not spread through inhalation. It is a bloodborne virus that is most commonly spread through direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
Choice B rationale
While it is possible for hepatitis C to be spread through semen, this is less common. The risk is higher for men who have sex with men, especially if they are also infected with HIV6.
Choice C rationale
Hepatitis C is not spread through feces. It is a bloodborne virus that is most commonly spread through direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
Choice D rationale
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood. This can occur through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs, or through needle-stick injuries among healthcare workers.