A nurse is caring for a client with liver cirrhosis and notices that the client's platelet count is significantly decreased. Which complication of liver cirrhosis is the likely cause of this finding?

Portal hypertension

Ascites

Hepatocellular carcinoma

Splenomegaly

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) In liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension occurs due to increased pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the intestines to the liver. The increased pressure leads to the development of portosystemic collaterals (collateral circulation) to divert blood flow. This can cause hypersplenism, a condition where the spleen becomes enlarged and traps platelets, leading to a decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia).

B) Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is not directly related to a decreased platelet count.

C) Hepatocellular carcinoma is a type of liver cancer and can be a complication of liver cirrhosis. However, it is not the likely cause of the client's decreased platelet count.

D) Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) can occur in liver cirrhosis due to portal hypertension. However, splenomegaly itself is not the cause of the decreased platelet count; it is the hypersplenism resulting from the splenomegaly that causes thrombocytopenia.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Restricting fluid intake is not appropriate for managing ascites in clients with liver cirrhosis. Ascites occurs due to fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity and is not primarily influenced by oral fluid intake.

B) Encouraging a high-sodium diet is contraindicated in clients with ascites. High sodium intake can exacerbate fluid retention and worsen ascites. Instead, clients with ascites should be on a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid accumulation.

C) In a client with liver cirrhosis experiencing fluid retention and abdominal distension due to ascites, paracentesis is an essential intervention to drain the accumulated ascitic fluid from the abdominal cavity. Paracentesis helps to relieve discomfort, improve respiratory function, and reduce intra-abdominal pressure.

D) Diuretics are used in the management of ascites to promote urine output and reduce fluid retention. However, paracentesis is a more immediate intervention for relieving discomfort and removing a large volume of ascitic fluid.

A. Hematemesis B. Ascites C. Splenomegaly D. Varices

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

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A nurse is caring for a client with liver cirrhosis and notices that the client's platelet count is significantly decreased. Which complication of liver cirrhosis is the likely cause of this finding?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with liver cirrhosis is experiencing fluid retention and abdominal distension due to ascites. Which nursing intervention is essential to manage this complication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with liver cirrhosis is found to have visible distended veins on the abdomen and chest. Which term should the nurse use to document this finding?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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?

A client with liver cirrhosis presents with severe ascites. Which procedure should the nurse anticipate being performed to drain the accumulated fluid from the peritoneal cavity?

A nurse is caring for a client with liver cirrhosis and notices that the client's platelet count is significantly decreased. Which complication of liver cirrhosis is the likely cause of this finding?

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

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with liver cirrhosis. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate regarding alcohol consumption?

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 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?

A client with suspected liver cirrhosis is scheduled for a diagnostic imaging test. Which imaging modality is commonly used to assess the liver's size, shape, and structure in clients with cirrhosis?