The nurse is caring for a patient with cirrhosis.Which assessment finding warrants the nurse's immediate attention?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mental confusion and coma result from hepatic encephalopathy.Encephalopathy occurs from liver failure that leads to circulating toxins.This finding is an indicator of deteriorating patient condition.Ascites and jaundice are expected findings in cirrhosis and do not necessarily indicate an urgent change in condition.Fingernails that feature horizontal bands in pairs that alternate with normal nail color occur due to hypoalbuminemia from cirrhosis; this finding does not indicate an urgent change in condition.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Cirrhosis