A client is admitted with late manifestations of cirrhosis. Which of the following clinical manifestations confirm this diagnosis? Select all that apply

Question

A) Hepatomegaly felt on deep palpation
B) Diffuse liver fibrosis with large, palpable lumps
C) GI bleeding related to esophageal varices
D) Acute renal failure with electrolyte imbalances
E) Splenomegaly with bleeding tendencies

Answer 1

Ans: A, C, E
Feedback:
The manifestations of cirrhosis are variable, ranging from asymptomatic hepatomegaly to hepatic failure. Often there are no symptoms until the disease is far advanced. The late manifestations of cirrhosis are related to portal hypertension and liver failure. Splenomegaly, ascites, and portosystemic shunts (i.e., esophageal varices, gastric varices, and caput medusae) result from portal hypertension. Other complications include bleeding due to decreased clotting factors and thrombocytopenia due to splenomegaly. Hepatorenal syndrome refers to a functional renal failure seen during the terminal stages of liver failure with ascites. The end stage of chronic liver disease is characterized by diffuse liver fibrosis that replaces normally functioning liver tissue and forms constrictive bands that disrupt flow in the vascular channels and biliary duct systems.