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
Consuming a large amount of alcohol at one time can lead to liver damage and other health problems, but it does not directly cause hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily spreads through contact with infected blood.
Choice B rationale
Coming into contact with infected blood, such as from a dirty needle, can indeed cause you to become infected with hepatitis C. This is one of the most common ways the virus is transmitted, particularly through sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs.
Choice C rationale
Hepatitis C does not typically spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids such as saliva. The virus is primarily bloodborne, meaning it spreads through direct contact with infected blood.
Choice D rationale
Eating contaminated food or water from an infected source does not cause hepatitis C. The virus does not spread through food or water, or by casual contact.

Choice A rationale

While an elevated serum ammonia level can indicate liver dysfunction, it is not typically a contraindication for liver biopsy. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism and is normally converted into urea by the liver, which is then excreted in the urine. Elevated levels can occur in liver disease, but they are not typically a direct concern in the context of a liver biopsy.
Choice B rationale
A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is slightly low, but it is not typically a contraindication for a liver biopsy. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While a low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, it would not typically prevent a patient from undergoing a liver biopsy.
Choice C rationale
A white blood cell count of 14.2 x 103/uL is slightly elevated, indicating a possible infection or inflammation. However, this would not typically be a contraindication for a liver biopsy.
Choice D rationale
A prothrombin time of 32 seconds is significantly prolonged, indicating a potential problem with blood clotting. This would be a major concern for a nurse caring for a patient scheduled for a liver biopsy, as the procedure involves inserting a needle into the liver and could lead to bleeding. Patients with a prolonged prothrombin time are at an increased risk of bleeding complications.