Question

Nurse is caring for a patient who has cirrhosis of the liver with esophageal varices. Which of the following activity should the nurse instruct the patient to avoid?

A. Airplane travel
B. Sleeping supine
C. Using lemon juice to season food
D. Straining to have BM

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the patient with cirrhosis and esophageal varices to avoid straining during bowel movements to reduce the risk of bleeding from the varices, a serious complication.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should instruct the patient with cirrhosis of the liver and esophageal varices to avoid straining to have a bowel movement (BM). Straining increases pressure in the venous system, which can lead to a higher risk of bleeding from the esophageal varices. In the context of cirrhosis, which often leads to ascites and a compromised liver function, activities that increase abdominal pressure should be minimized.

Patients with cirrhosis may suffer from complications such as fluid retention in the abdominal cavity, increased risk of infection, potential liver failure requiring a transplant, and disruptions in bile flow, indicated by obstructive jaundice. Avoidance of straining during bowel movements is crucial to reduce the risk of an acute variceal bleed, which is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis.