A client presents to the hospital with difficulty in speaking, excessive salivation, and ataxia. What finding would lead to a diagnosis of Wilson disease?

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Wilson disease is a genetic disorder that results in the accumulation of copper in the liver, brain, and other organs. Hepatic dysfunction is a common symptom of Wilson disease and is often the first symptom to present. The buildup of copper in the liver can lead to liver failure, which can cause a variety of symptoms including jaundice, edema, and ascites. Difficulty in speaking is a neurological symptom that may occur later in the disease progression, along with ataxia (loss of coordination) and excessive salivation. Grand mal seizures, skeletal rigidity, and psychiatric symptoms are not typically associated with Wilson disease.

A Client Presents to the Hospital with Difficulty in Speaking