A nurse in a mental health clinic is observing clients in the day room. The nurse sits down to talk with an adolescent client who was admitted with clinical depression. After a few minutes of conversation, the adolescent asks the nurse, "Why did you choose to talk to me out of this room full of kids?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is therapeutic?

A.

A. Monitor for abdominal ascites - Ascites is a common complication of cirrhosis due to portal hypertension and decreased albumin production. Monitoring for abdominal distention and fluid

accumulation is essential for assessing the progression of cirrhosis and implementing appropriate interventions.

B. Implement a low-carbohydrate diet - While dietary modifications may be necessary for clients with cirrhosis, such as reducing sodium intake, implementing a low-carbohydrate diet is not typically a primary intervention for cirrhosis.

C. Review serum amylase levels - Serum amylase levels are typically assessed to diagnose pancreatitis, which is not directly related to cirrhosis unless complications such as alcoholic pancreatitis are present.

D. Place warm compresses on areas of pruritus - Pruritus (itching) is a common symptom of liver disease, including cirrhosis, due to bile salt accumulation. While warm compresses may provide

temporary relief, they do not address the underlying cause of pruritus in cirrhosis.

A. Insert an indwelling catheter if the client has not voided in 3 hr: This task is within the LPN’s scope of practice, including sterile procedures such as catheterization. The RN retains the responsibility to evaluate the client’s overall status but may direct the LPN to insert a catheter under specific conditions.
B. Obtain the abdominal girth now and every 4 hr: This is a non-sterile, routine measurement and would be more appropriately assigned to assistive personnel rather than an LPN.
C. Assess and document the level of consciousness every hour: Assessment of neurological status requires RN-level clinical judgment, particularly in clients at risk for hepatic encephalopathy.
D. Measure the amount of gastric drainage every 2 hr: Although within an LPN’s scope, this task is repetitive and routine and may be more appropriate for assistive personnel under supervision.