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 D

Explanation

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 B. Omeprazole C. Furosemide D. Propranolol

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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.

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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 nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client suspected to have liver cirrhosis. Which finding should the nurse expect to be elevated, indicating impaired liver function?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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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?

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