A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who was admitted with a history of multiple myeloma. The nurse should expect to find an increase in which of the following laboratory values?

Choice A reason : Tarry stools, also known as melena, can be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, which may occur in cirrhosis due to the development of esophageal varices. However, it is not a direct symptom of cirrhosis itself but rather a complication that can arise from the condition¹.

Choice B reason : Blood in the urine is not a typical finding associated with cirrhosis. While cirrhosis can lead to problems with kidney function, hematuria is not a direct symptom of liver disease and may indicate other urological conditions¹.

Choice C reason : Moist skin is not commonly associated with cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis often experience skin changes, but these typically include jaundice, bruising, and spider angiomas, not increased moisture of the skin¹.

Choice D reason : Spider angiomas are a common finding in cirrhosis. They are small, spider-like capillaries visible under the skin and are caused by the increased estrogen levels that occur due to the liver's inability to metabolize hormones properly. They are most often found on the face, neck, upper chest, and arms¹².

Choice A reason : Cleaning dentures in a denture cup is a standard hygiene practice but does not directly address the low WBC count. While maintaining oral hygiene is important, it is not the most critical action related to the client's immunocompromised state⁶.

Choice B reason : Replacing the water in flower vases daily is a good practice to prevent bacterial growth; however, it is recommended to avoid having flowers or plants in the room of an immunocompromised patient due to the risk of exposure to fungi and bacteria⁷.

Choice C reason : Humidifying the room can be beneficial for respiratory comfort, but it must be done with caution in immunocompromised patients. Humidifiers need to be kept clean to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, which could be harmful to a patient with a low WBC count⁷.

Choice D reason : Serving cooked fruit with meals is the correct action because cooking fruit can eliminate potential pathogens that the client's compromised immune system may not be able to handle. Raw fruits and vegetables can harbor bacteria and other pathogens, so serving them cooked is a safer option for someone with a low WBC count⁶⁷.