Question

The nurse is managing care for a patient with cirrhosis of the liver. The nurse teaches the patient about how to avoid injury that may result in bleeding. The patient asks the nurse why he is at risk to start bleeding. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. "Because your liver is injured and unable to manufacture platelets."
2. "Because your liver thickens your blood so it is less likely to clot."
3. "Because your liver is injured and cannot make clotting factors."
4. "Because your liver is breaking down your clotting factors too quickly."

Answer 1

In cirrhosis, the liver becomes damaged and cannot produce clotting factors, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response by the nurse is: 3. "Because your liver is injured and cannot make clotting factors." In cirrhosis, the liver becomes damaged and is unable to produce clotting factors, which are essential for blood clot formation. As a result, the patient is at risk for bleeding.