The nurse is caring for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. While making the initial shift assessment the nurse notes that the patient has a flapping tremor of the hands. What will the nurse document this condition as in the patient's chart?
A) Asterixis
B) Constructional apraxia
C) Fetor hepaticus
D) Palmar erythema
Ans: A
Feedback: The nurse will document that a patient exhibiting a flapping tremor of the hands is demonstrating asterixis. While constructional apraxia is a motor disturbance, it is the inability to reproduce a simple figure. Fetor hepaticus is a sweet, slightly fecal odor to the breath and not associated with a motor disturbance. Skin changes associated with liver dysfunction may include palmar erythema, which is a reddening of the palms, but is not a flapping tremor.
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