A client with liver cirrhosis is at risk of developing esophageal varices. Which medication should the nurse expect to be prescribed to reduce the risk of bleeding from these varices?

A) Hematemesis refers to vomiting of blood and is a symptom that can occur as a result of bleeding from esophageal varices or other gastrointestinal sources.

B) Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, leading to abdominal distension. It is not related to the presence of visible distended veins on the abdomen and chest.

C) Splenomegaly is the enlargement of the spleen and is not related to the finding of visible distended veins.

D) Varices are dilated and tortuous veins that can develop in various locations, including the esophagus (esophageal varices) and the abdomen and chest wall (caput medusae). In liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension causes increased pressure in the portal vein, leading to the development of these enlarged veins. Esophageal varices can be life-threatening if they rupture and cause severe bleeding.

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.