Question

question 6 of 10
a client is given a diagnosis of hepatic cirrhosis. the client asks the nurse what findings led to
this determination. which of the following clinical manifestations would the nurse correctly
identify? select all that apply.
excess storage of vitamin c
hemorrhoids
ascites
enlarged liver size
accelerated behaviors and mental processes

Explanation:

To determine the correct clinical manifestations of hepatic cirrhosis:

• Excess storage of vitamin C: Incorrect. Hepatic cirrhosis affects liver function, and the liver is involved in vitamin metabolism (e.g., vitamin C is water - soluble and not stored in excess in cirrhosis - related liver dysfunction; in fact, liver dysfunction may lead to impaired vitamin handling).
• Hemorrhoids: Correct. Hepatic cirrhosis can lead to portal hypertension. Portal hypertension increases the pressure in the portal venous system, which can cause dilation of veins in the rectum (hemorrhoids) as part of the development of varices due to the increased pressure.
• Ascites: Correct. Portal hypertension and hypoalbuminemia (due to impaired liver synthetic function in cirrhosis) lead to fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity, resulting in ascites.
• Enlarged liver size: In the early stages of hepatic cirrhosis, the liver may be enlarged. As the disease progresses, it can become shrunken, but enlargement can be a manifestation in some cases related to the pathological processes (e.g., inflammation, fibrosis - related changes in the early phase).
• Accelerated behaviors and mental processes: Incorrect. Hepatic cirrhosis can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is characterized by altered mental status, confusion, and slowed mental processes, not accelerated ones.

Answer:

B. Hemorrhoids, C. Ascites, D. Enlarged liver size