A nurse is caring for a patient who reports pain in their lower extremities following surgery. Which of the following should the nurse address first?

Choice C rationale
Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that can cause confusion or delirium in patients with end-stage liver disease and increasing ascites. It occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood, such as ammonia, which can then accumulate in the brain and affect mental function. This condition is common in patients with cirrhosis or end-stage liver disease, and can manifest as confusion, changes in sleep patterns, mood alterations, and, in severe cases, coma.
Choice A rationale
While dementia can cause confusion and changes in mental status, it is typically a progressive condition that develops over time. In the context of a patient with end-stage liver failure and

increasing ascites who is usually lucid, a sudden onset of confusion or delirium is more likely to be due to a condition related to their liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B rationale
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. It is not typically associated with end-stage liver disease or ascites. In the context of a patient with end-stage liver failure and increasing ascites who is usually lucid, a sudden onset of confusion or delirium is more likely to be due to a condition related to their liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice D rationale
While a urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause confusion, especially in older adults, it would not typically be the primary suspect in a patient with end-stage liver failure and increasing ascites. In such a patient, hepatic encephalopathy is a more likely cause of confusion or delirium.

Choice A rationale
While emotional concerns are important to address in a holistic care approach, they are not the initial course of action when a client is admitted due to an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Emotional concerns are usually addressed once the client’s physical condition is stabilized.
Choice B rationale
Checking the client’s perianal skin integrity is a crucial initial step when a client is admitted due to an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis can cause rectal bleeding and diarrhea, which can lead to skin breakdown in the perianal area. Therefore, assessing for skin integrity helps in early detection and management of potential skin complications.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a dietary history from the client is important but not the initial course of action in this scenario. Dietary history is usually obtained once the client’s condition is stabilized and when planning for discharge or dietary modifications.
Choice D rationale
Reviewing the client’s electrolyte values is important in managing ulcerative colitis, but it’s not the initial course of action. Electrolyte imbalances can occur due to diarrhea and

malabsorption, which are common in ulcerative colitis. However, this is usually done after initial physical assessments and stabilization of the client.