A patient, with acute hepatic dysfunction, has abdominal ascites. The nurse realizes that which of the following additional diagnoses would be applicable to this patient?

Question

1. hyponatremia
2. hypoalbuminemia
3. elevated HDL level
4. acute pancreatitis

Answer 1

2

Rationale: Ascites, an abnormal collection of fluid in the abdominal cavity, develops from decreased colloid osmotic pressure and portal hypertension. Colloid osmotic pressure decreases as a result of a reduction in albumin. Hypoalbuminemia is caused by the inability of the liver to carry out its usual protein metabolism functions causing a drop in colloid osmotic pressure and shifting fluid from the intravascular compartment into other body compartments. Patients can also develop extreme sodium retention or hypernatremia and not hyponatremia. An elevated high density lipoprotein level is not typically associated with ascites. Acute pancreatitis may or may not cause ascites however this patient is diagnosed with acute hepatic dysfunction.