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 B

Explanation

A) Chronic viral hepatitis is a significant risk factor for liver cirrhosis, especially in regions where these viruses are prevalent. However, alcohol abuse is considered the leading cause of liver cirrhosis.
B) Among the listed risk factors, alcohol abuse is the leading cause of liver cirrhosis in many parts of the world. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can directly damage liver cells, leading to inflammation and subsequent scarring. The risk of developing cirrhosis is closely related to the amount and duration of alcohol consumption.
C) NAFLD is a growing concern and a leading cause of liver disease globally. It is strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. While NAFLD is a significant risk factor for liver cirrhosis, alcohol abuse holds the highest association with cirrhosis.
D) Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune-mediated liver disease that can lead to chronic inflammation and cirrhosis if not properly managed. While it is a risk factor for cirrhosis, alcohol abuse remains the leading cause of the condition.

A. Encouraging the client to lie on the right side. B. Administering pain medication as needed. C. Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours. D. Instructing the client to maintain a supine position for 12 hours.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Encouraging the client to lie on the right side after a liver biopsy is essential because this position helps to apply pressure to the biopsy site, reducing the risk of bleeding.
B. While administering pain medication may be necessary, it is not the primary nursing action following a liver biopsy compared to ensuring hemostasis and preventing complications.
C. Monitoring vital signs is important, but in this case, vital signs should be checked more frequently than every 4 hours to assess for complications like bleeding. Initial monitoring is typically every 15 minutes for the first hour and then every 30 minutes to hourly based on facility protocols.
D. Although maintaining a supine position is typically advised, the focus should be on the right side position to ensure proper hemostasis following the biopsy procedure.

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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 community education on the risk factors for liver cirrhosis. Which risk factor should the nurse emphasize as the leading cause of liver cirrhosis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with suspected liver cirrhosis undergoes a liver biopsy. Which nursing action is essential following the procedure?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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A client with liver cirrhosis is at risk of developing esophageal varices. Which nursing intervention is essential in the care of this client?

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