A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is being assessed according to the Adapted West Haven Criteria. The patient has marked somnolence, psychomotor agitation, and his speech is difficult to understand. In which stage would this patient be classified?

Question

A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is being assessed according to the Adapted West Haven Criteria. The patient has marked somnolence, psychomotor agitation, and his speech is difficult to understand. In which stage would this patient be classified?​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient would be classified as stage 3 according to the Adapted West Haven Criteria. Stage 3 is characterized by marked somnolence, confusion, disorientation, and psychomotor agitation. The difficulty in speech could indicate the development of asterixis, a tremor of the hand that occurs when the wrist is extended, which is a hallmark of advanced hepatic encephalopathy.

A Patient with Hepatic Encephalopathy Is Being Assessed According to the Adapted