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

A) Serum albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver, and its levels are often decreased in advanced liver cirrhosis due to impaired liver function. However, the question asks for an elevated finding, not a decreased one.

B) Prothrombin time (PT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot. In liver cirrhosis, PT is often prolonged due to impaired liver function and reduced production of clotting factors. However, the question asks for an elevated finding, not a prolonged one.

C) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver and other organs. While AST levels may be elevated in liver cirrhosis, it is not a specific marker for liver cirrhosis, and its elevation can occur in various liver diseases and conditions.

D) In liver cirrhosis, impaired liver function leads to reduced clearance of bilirubin, resulting in elevated total bilirubin levels in the blood. Elevated bilirubin is a common finding in liver cirrhosis and can contribute to jaundice.

A) Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy and is not prescribed to reduce the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices.

B) Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used to reduce stomach acid production and treat conditions such as peptic ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While it may be prescribed to manage gastritis or peptic ulcers, it is not primarily used to reduce the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices.

C) Furosemide is a diuretic used to manage fluid retention and ascites in clients with liver cirrhosis. It is not prescribed to reduce the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices.

D) Propranolol is a beta-blocker commonly used to reduce the risk of bleeding from esophageal varices in clients with liver cirrhosis. Propranolol helps decrease portal hypertension by reducing the pressure in the portal vein, thereby reducing the likelihood of variceal rupture and bleeding.