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A nurse assesses clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client is at greatest risk for the development of carcinoma of the liver?

a.A 22-year-old with a history of blunt liver trauma
b.A 48-year-old with a history of diabetes mellitus
c.A 66-year-old who has a history of cirrhosis
d.An 82-year-old who has chronic malnutrition

User Dymk
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Final answer:

The 66-year-old with a history of cirrhosis is at the greatest risk for developing carcinoma of the liver due to the risk factors associated with chronic liver disease and liver failure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client at greatest risk for the development of carcinoma of the liver is the 66-year-old who has a history of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the formation of fibrous tissue in the liver, replacing dead liver cells, and it can be caused by various factors including viral hepatitis, alcoholism, or exposure to other liver-toxic chemicals. As cirrhosis progresses, it can lead to chronic liver failure and significantly increases the risk of developing primary hepatic cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma.

While the other conditions mentioned, such as blunt liver trauma, diabetes mellitus, and chronic malnutrition, can also impact liver health, they do not present the same high level of risk for liver cancer as a history of cirrhosis does. Environmental factors and certain pathogens, particularly hepatitis viruses, are significant risk factors for liver cancer, in addition to chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis.

User Turksarama
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