A client with liver cirrhosis complains of difficulty sleeping at night due to frequent awakenings caused by shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect as the most likely cause of the client's symptom?

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Portal hypertension

Hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatopulmonary syndrome

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A) Hepatocellular carcinoma is a type of liver cancer and can be a complication of liver cirrhosis. However, it is not typically associated with difficulty sleeping or shortness of breath.

B) Portal hypertension, a common complication of liver cirrhosis, can lead to the development of ascites and esophageal varices, among other manifestations. It is not the likely cause of the client's difficulty sleeping and shortness of breath.

C) Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric complication of advanced liver disease and is not associated with difficulty sleeping or shortness of breath.

D) Hepatopulmonary syndrome is a complication of liver cirrhosis characterized by the development of pulmonary vascular dilation and arteriovenous shunting. This results in impaired oxygenation of blood, leading to difficulty breathing (dyspnea), especially while lying down (orthopnea). Clients with hepatopulmonary syndrome often experience frequent awakenings due to shortness of breath during sleep.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) This statement is incorrect. Even moderate alcohol intake can be harmful to a client with liver cirrhosis. Alcohol should be completely avoided to prevent exacerbation of liver damage.

B) This statement is incorrect. The client should not resume their previous alcohol consumption habits. Continued alcohol consumption can lead to further liver damage and complications.

C) For a client with liver cirrhosis, alcohol consumption should be completely avoided. Alcohol is a significant contributor to liver damage and can worsen the condition, leading to further complications. Abstinence from alcohol is crucial to prevent further liver injury and improve the client's overall prognosis.

D) This statement is incorrect. The client should not consume any type of alcoholic beverage. All forms of alcohol can be harmful to the liver, and complete abstinence is necessary for individuals with liver cirrhosis.

A. Encouraging the client to increase protein intake. B. Assisting the client with frequent ambulation. C. Administering diuretics as prescribed by the healthcare provider. D. Teaching the client deep breathing exercises.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) While adequate protein intake is important for overall health, encouraging the client to increase protein intake is not a priority in managing ascites. The priority is to address fluid retention through diuretic therapy.

B) While ambulation can be beneficial for clients with liver cirrhosis, it is not the priority for managing ascites. Diuretic therapy is more directly targeted at reducing fluid accumulation.

C) The priority nursing intervention for managing ascites in a client with liver cirrhosis is administering diuretics as prescribed by the healthcare provider. Diuretics help reduce fluid retention and alleviate the pressure caused by the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. This intervention aims to improve the client's comfort and prevent the development of further complications associated with ascites.

D) Deep breathing exercises can be helpful for clients with liver cirrhosis, but they are not the priority for managing ascites. The focus should be on diuretic therapy and addressing the fluid retention in the abdomen.

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A client with liver cirrhosis complains of difficulty sleeping at night due to frequent awakenings caused by shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect as the most likely cause of the client's symptom?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with liver cirrhosis. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate regarding alcohol consumption?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with liver cirrhosis has developed ascites. Which nursing intervention is a priority for managing this complication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with liver cirrhosis is experiencing episodes of hepatic encephalopathy. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to help reduce ammonia levels in the blood?

A client with liver cirrhosis is experiencing fluid retention and abdominal distension due to ascites. Which nursing intervention is essential to manage this complication?

A nurse is assessing a client with liver cirrhosis and observes that the client has altered mental status and confusion. Which action should the nurse take first?

A client with liver cirrhosis presents with severe ascites. Which procedure should the nurse anticipate being performed to drain the accumulated fluid from the peritoneal cavity?

A client with liver cirrhosis complains of severe itching. Which term should the nurse use to document this symptom?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client suspected to have liver cirrhosis. Which finding should the nurse expect to be elevated, indicating impaired liver function?

A client with liver cirrhosis complains of difficulty sleeping at night due to frequent awakenings caused by shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect as the most likely cause of the client's symptom?

A client with a history of chronic hepatitis C infection asks the nurse about the risk of developing liver cirrhosis. Which response by the nurse is accurate?