A nursing instructor is teaching students about cirrhosis of the liver. Which of the following student statements about the complications of hepatic encephalopathy should indicate that further student teaching is needed? Select all that apply

Question

A. "A diet rich in protein will promote hepatic healing."
B. "This condition leads to a rise in serum ammonia, resulting in impaired mental functioning."
C. "In this condition, blood accumulates in the abdominal cavity."
D. "Neomycin and lactulose are used in the treatment of this condition."
E. "This condition is caused by the inability of the liver to convert ammonia to urea."

Answer 1

A, C
The nursing instructor should understand that further teaching is needed if the nursing student states that a diet rich in protein will promote hepatic healing or that this condition causes blood to accumulate in the abdominal cavity (ascites), because these are incorrect statements. The treatment of hepatic encephalopathy requires abstention from alcohol, temporary elimination of protein from the diet, and reduction of intestinal ammonia by means of neomycin or lactulose. This condition occurs in response to the inability of the liver to convert ammonia to urea for excretion.