Question

question 7 of 10
a client has an elevated serum ammonia concentration and is exhibiting changes in mental
status. the nurse should suspect which condition?
cirrhosis
asterixis
portal hypertension
hepatic encephalopathy

Explanation:

Hepatic encephalopathy is a condition that occurs due to liver dysfunction, leading to elevated serum ammonia levels (as the liver can't properly detoxify ammonia) and changes in mental status. Cirrhosis is a liver disease that can lead to hepatic encephalopathy but is not the direct condition with these symptoms. Asterixis is a sign (flapping tremor) of hepatic encephalopathy, not the condition itself. Portal hypertension is increased pressure in the portal vein, not directly causing these symptoms. So the correct condition is hepatic encephalopathy.

Answer:

D. Hepatic encephalopathy