A client with liver cirrhosis has been referred for transient elastography. What is the primary purpose of this diagnostic test?
To assess the severity of esophageal varices.
To evaluate liver function and enzyme levels.
To measure liver stiffness and assess fibrosis.
To identify hepatic encephalopathy.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Transient elastography is not used to assess esophageal varices. Endoscopy is the primary method for diagnosing and grading the severity of esophageal varices in clients with liver cirrhosis.
B) Transient elastography is primarily used to assess the degree of liver fibrosis, not to evaluate liver function or enzyme levels. Liver function and enzyme levels are typically evaluated through blood tests, such as liver function tests (LFTs), which measure liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin, and other markers of liver health and function.
C) Transient elastography is a non-invasive imaging technique used to assess liver stiffness, which correlates with the degree of fibrosis in the liver. It provides information about the presence and severity of liver fibrosis, aiding in the diagnosis and staging of liver cirrhosis.
D) Transient elastography is not used to identify hepatic encephalopathy. Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric complication of advanced liver disease, and its diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, mental status evaluation, and laboratory tests. Transient elastography is not involved in identifying or diagnosing hepatic encephalopathy.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder characterized by excessive iron absorption from the diet, leading to the accumulation of iron in various organs, including the liver. In individuals with hemochromatosis, the excess iron can cause liver cell injury and lead to cirrhosis over time.
B) Wilson's disease is a genetic disorder that causes impaired copper metabolism, leading to copper accumulation in the liver and other organs. While it can lead to liver damage, it is not associated with elevated iron levels.
C) Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and liver. It can lead to liver disease, but it does not cause elevated iron levels.
D) Primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune liver disease that primarily affects the small bile ducts within the liver. While it can lead to liver damage and cirrhosis, it is not associated with elevated iron levels.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) While MRI is also used to assess the liver, it may not be the first-line imaging modality for assessing the size and structure of the liver in clients with cirrhosis.
B) PET scans are mainly used to evaluate cellular metabolism and tissue function, including cancerous cells. While it can be helpful in detecting liver tumors, it may not be the primary choice for assessing liver size and structure in cirrhosis.
C) Computed tomography (CT) scan is commonly used to assess the liver's size, shape, and structure in clients with liver cirrhosis. CT provides detailed cross-sectional images of the liver, helping to identify any abnormalities, including liver nodules, fibrosis, and signs of portal hypertension.
D) An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to record electrical activity in the brain. It is not used to assess the liver's size, shape, or structure in clients with liver cirrhosis.
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