Liver Cirrhosis

Liver Cirrhosis ( 25 Questions)

A nurse is assessing a client with liver cirrhosis and observes that the client has altered mental status and confusion. Which action should the nurse take first?


Correct Answer: D

A) Pain medication is not appropriate for managing altered mental status and confusion. The priority is to identify and address the underlying cause of the client's symptoms.

B) While documentation and ongoing monitoring are important, the priority is to take immediate action when the client is exhibiting signs of altered mental status. The nurse should promptly notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.

C) A liver biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that provides information about the degree of liver damage and fibrosis. However, it is not the first action to take when the client is experiencing altered mental status and confusion. Immediate notification of the healthcare provider is the priority in this situation.

D) Altered mental status and confusion in a client with liver cirrhosis can indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of advanced liver disease. Hepatic encephalopathy results from the accumulation of toxic substances in the blood due to impaired liver function. The nurse should prioritize notifying the healthcare provider immediately to initiate appropriate interventions and prevent further deterioration of the client's condition.




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