For which clinical indicator associated with a complication of portal hypertension should nurse assess client?

Correct Answer: 4. Hemorrhage from esophageal varices

Rationale:

• Portal hypertension refers to increased blood pressure within the portal venous system, which is typically a consequence of liver cirrhosis or other conditions that obstruct blood flow through the liver.
• One of the significant complications of portal hypertension is the development of esophageal varices. These are enlarged veins in the esophagus that result from increased pressure in the portal vein; they are prone to bleeding because the vein walls become thin as they expand.
• Hemorrhage from esophageal varices is a life-threatening condition and a significant clinical indicator related to the complication of portal hypertension that nurses should be vigilant in assessing for signs such as vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, or signs of shock in patients with known portal hypertension.

Key Points

• ?1 Liver abscesses may occur as a complication of intestinal infections, not portal hypertension.
• 2 This may be caused by manipulation of the bowel during surgery, peritonitis, neurologic disorders, or organic obstruction, not portal hypertension.
• 3 Perforation of the duodenum usually is caused by peptic ulcers; it is not a direct result of portal hypertension or cirrhosis.