A patient with cirrhosis is confused and drowsy, with asterixis. Before assuming hepatic encephalopathy, which assessment is most important?
Correct answer: A. Check capillary blood glucose and oxygen saturation
- A. Check capillary blood glucose and oxygen saturation
- B. Ask the patient to eat a high-protein meal
- C. Encourage walking to improve alertness
- D. Give a sedative to control the confusion
Explanation
Hypoglycaemia and hypoxaemia can also cause altered consciousness and must be identified promptly because they threaten basic physiological function. Asterixis supports hepatic encephalopathy, but the nurse should not attribute confusion to liver disease without checking reversible causes.
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About Gastrointestinal and Liver Nursing
Covers nursing care for peptic ulcer disease, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, hepatitis, cirrhosis and portal hypertension. It includes nutrition, fluid and electrolyte management, abdominal assessment, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, which must be distinguished from other causes of altered consciousness.
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