Case study: Client with cirrhosis and confusion. A 58-year-old with cirrhosis becomes increasingly forgetful and confused. Family reports the client has been sleeping more and missing lactulose doses. Which finding in this case is the highest priority for the nurse to address first?

Question

Accepted Answer

D. worsening hepatic encephalopathy — In this case, the highest-priority finding is worsening hepatic encephalopathy because it most directly threatens safety or signals clinical deterioration.

Answer

A. mild ankle edema

Answer

B. spider angiomas

Answer

C. poor appetite at breakfast