The patient is diagnosed with hepatitis. In caring for this patient, the nurse should:
a. administer antiinflammatory medications.
b. provide rest, nutrition, and antiemetics if needed.
c. provide antianxiety medications freely to decrease agitation.
d. instruct the patient to take over-the-counter antiinflammatory medications at home.
B
No definitive treatment for acute inflammation of the liver exists. Goals for medical and nursing care include providing rest and assisting the patient in obtaining optimal nutrition. Medications to help the patient rest or to decrease agitation must be closely monitored because most of these drugs require clearance by the liver, which is impaired during the acute phase. Nursing measures such as administration of antiemetics may be helpful. Small, frequent, palatable meals and supplements should be offered. Patients must be instructed not to take any over-the-counter drugs that can cause liver damage. Alcohol should be avoided.
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