A homeless patient with severe anorexia, fatigue, jaundice, and hepatomegaly is diagnosed with viral hepatitis and has just been admitted to the hospital. In planning care of the patient, the nurse assigns the highest priority to the patient outcome of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The highest priority outcome is to maintain nutrition because adequate nutrition is needed for hepatocyte regeneration. Finding a home for the patient and identifying the source of the infection would be appropriate activities, but they do not have as high a priority as adequate nutrition. Although the patient's activity level will be gradually increased, rest is indicated during the acute phase of hepatitis.

A Homeless Patient with Severe Anorexia, Fatigue, Jaundice, and Hepatomegaly