A client diagnosed with Hepatitis B asks the nurse about modes of transmission. How should the nurse respond?

A) Incorrect. While protein is important, in the case of hepatic encephalopathy, reducing ammonia levels is the priority. A high-protein diet may exacerbate this condition.

B) Correct. Lactulose is a medication used to reduce ammonia levels in clients with hepatic encephalopathy, which is a complication of advanced cirrhosis.

C) Incorrect. Administering sedatives may worsen hepatic encephalopathy. The focus should be on reducing ammonia levels.

D) Incorrect. Administering iron supplements is not a priority in addressing hepatic encephalopathy. The focus should be on managing ammonia levels.

A) Incorrect. While exposure to environmental toxins can contribute to liver damage, it is not the primary cause of cirrhosis.

B) Correct. Cirrhosis is the result of chronic, progressive liver damage and scarring, often stemming from various underlying liver diseases, such as chronic viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol consumption, or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

C) Incorrect. This describes autoimmune hepatitis, where the immune system attacks liver cells, but it is not the cause of cirrhosis.

D) Incorrect. Cirrhosis is primarily caused by chronic liver damage, not genetic factors.