Which assessment finding is the most significant to report to the physician for a child with cirrhosis?
a. Weight loss
b. Change in level of consciousness
c. Skin with pruritus
d. Black, foul-smelling stools
B
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A One complication of cirrhosis is ascites. The child needs to be assessed for
increasing abdominal girth and edema. A child who is retaining fluid will not
exhibit weight loss.
B The child with cirrhosis must be assessed for encephalopathy, which is
characterized by a change in level of consciousness. Encephalopathy can result
from a buildup of ammonia in the blood from the incomplete breakdown of
protein.
C Biliary obstruction can lead to pruritus, which is a frequent finding. An alteration
in the level of consciousness is of higher priority.
D Black, tarry stools may indicate blood in the stool. This needs be reported to the
physician. This is not a higher priority than a change in level of consciousness.
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