The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with advanced liver disease. Which laboratory result(s) would the nurse expect? Select all that apply.

Choice A reason: Encouraging the patient to continue an exercise routine such as weightlifting is not appropriate for a patient with esophageal varices. Weightlifting and other strenuous activities can increase intra-abdominal pressure, which may lead to the rupture of the varices and cause severe bleeding.

Choice B reason: Advising the patient to avoid straining at stools is the correct intervention. Straining during bowel movements can increase intra-abdominal pressure and the risk of rupturing the esophageal varices. The nurse should encourage the patient to maintain soft stools through a high-fiber diet, adequate hydration, and possibly stool softeners to prevent straining.

Choice C reason: Providing hot liquids as desired is not recommended for patients with esophageal varices. Hot liquids can cause vasodilation and potentially increase the risk of bleeding from the varices. Patients should be advised to consume beverages at moderate temperatures.

Choice D reason: Advising the patient to limit themselves to one alcoholic drink per day is not appropriate. Alcohol consumption can worsen liver disease, increase portal hypertension, and exacerbate esophageal varices. Patients with esophageal varices should be advised to avoid alcohol completely to reduce the risk of complications.

Choice A reason: Administering 2 tablets of digoxin 0.125 mg would provide the correct dosage of 0.25 mg. However, given the client's heart rate of 54/min, administering the medication could further lower the heart rate, which can be dangerous. The nurse should withhold the medication and notify the physician.

Choice B reason: Withholding the digoxin dose for decreased heart rate is the correct action. Digoxin is used to slow down the heart rate and strengthen heart contractions. A heart rate of 54/min is considered bradycardia (slow heart rate), and administering digoxin could exacerbate the bradycardia, leading to potential complications such as heart block or severe arrhythmias. Therefore, it is critical to withhold the medication and inform the physician of the client's current heart rate.

Choice C reason: Administering one tablet of digoxin 0.125 mg would not provide the full prescribed dose of 0.25 mg. More importantly, the client's low heart rate makes it unsafe to administer any dose of digoxin at this time.

Choice D reason: Withholding the digoxin dose for elevated blood pressure is not appropriate. Although the client has elevated blood pressure (144/96), the more immediate concern is the low heart rate. Digoxin affects heart rate more than blood pressure, and the risk of exacerbating bradycardia takes precedence.