A thin, cachectic-appearing client has hepatic portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE). The family expresses distress that the client is receiving so little protein in the diet. Which explanation by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "A low-protein diet will help the liver rest and will restore liver function."
b. "Less protein in the diet will help with the confusion."
c. "Despite looking so thin, protein will not help with weight gain."
d. "Less protein is needed to prevent fluid from leaking into the abdomen."
B
A low-protein diet is ordered when serum ammonia levels increase and/or the client shows signs of PSE. A low-protein diet helps reduce excessive breakdown of protein into ammonia by intes-tinal bacteria. Encephalopathy is caused by excess ammonia. The other statements are not correct.
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