Question

You have a patient with hepatic encephalopathy due to severe liver disease. Which of the following is TRUE about this patient?

Group of answer choices

1. The patient must be in an early stage of cirrhosis.

2. A high protein diet will help this patient.

3. The patient will have a low serum ammonia level.

4. The patient may show signs of asterixis or hand flapping tremor when asked to show their hands.

Answer 1

A patient with hepatic encephalopathy due to severe liver disease may show signs of asterixis or hand flapping tremor. This indicates advanced liver dysfunction, often associated with high serum ammonia levels, and a high protein diet may be contraindicated.

Step-by-step explanation:

A patient with hepatic encephalopathy due to severe liver disease may exhibit various neurological symptoms due to impaired liver function. In such cases, hepatic encephalopathy is often a result of the liver's inability to adequately detoxify substances in the blood, leading to a buildup of toxins like ammonia. One of the characteristic symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy is asterixis or a hand flapping tremor, which can be observed when the patient is asked to extend their hands. This symptom is indicative of an advanced stage of liver dysfunction, such as cirrhosis, which is generally irreversible. Going against some of the choices, it's important to note that these patients typically have a higher serum ammonia level, and contrary to suggestion, a high protein diet is often discouraged as it can lead to an increase in ammonia production.