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?

Jaundice refers to the yellowing of the skin and eyes and is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. While jaundice can be associated with liver cirrhosis, it does not describe the symptom of severe itching.

Pruritus refers to severe itching of the skin, which can occur in clients with liver cirrhosis due to the buildup of bile acids in the blood and skin. Elevated levels of bile acids can irritate the skin, leading to itching.

Hematemesis refers to vomiting of blood and is not related to the symptom of severe itching.

Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is not related to the symptom of severe itching.

A) Iron supplements are not a priority intervention for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. In fact, administering iron supplements without proper indication can be harmful, as excessive iron can worsen liver damage in cirrhosis.

B) While monitoring fluid intake and output is important in managing various aspects of liver cirrhosis, it is not the essential intervention for hepatic encephalopathy. The priority in hepatic encephalopathy is to ensure seizure precautions and address the client's altered mental status.

C) Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis that can lead to altered mental status, confusion, and potential seizures. Implementing seizure precautions is essential in the care of this client to ensure their safety and prevent injury during any potential seizure activity. Seizure precautions may include padding the side rails of the bed, ensuring a clear and clutter-free environment, and providing close supervision to the client. In severe cases, the healthcare provider may prescribe antiepileptic medications to manage and prevent seizures.

D) Encouraging a high-protein diet is not appropriate for a client with hepatic encephalopathy. High-protein diets can exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy by increasing ammonia production in the intestines. Instead, the client should be prescribed a controlled-protein diet and, in some cases, given lactulose to help reduce ammonia levels.