Question

A male client who was diagnosed with viral hepatitis A 4 weeks ago returns to the clinic complaining of weakness and fatigue. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Answer 1

The most critical finding to report is evidence of worsening liver function, such as jaundice, indicating potential ongoing liver damage that requires immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most important finding for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider is any evidence of worsening liver function, such as jaundice, which can indicate the progression of liver inflammation or damage. Because the client has been diagnosed with viral hepatitis A, it is critical to monitor liver function and report any abnormalities immediately.

Viral hepatitis A typically causes symptoms like malaise, loss of appetite, dark urine, and abdominal pain. However, the disease is usually self-limiting. The persistent weakness and fatigue four weeks post-diagnosis might be a sign of delayed recovery or complications.

General laboratory testing could reveal elevated liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), or direct bilirubin. An increase in these levels over time or the presence of jaundice could signal that the liver is not recovering as expected and there is ongoing hepatic inflammation or damage. This information is critical for the healthcare provider to know in order to manage the client's condition effectively.