Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 66%
Simulated
The nurse is assessing a client with cirrhosis who has developed hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse should notify the physician of a decrease in which lab serum that is a potential precipitating factor for hepatic encephalopathy?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Hypokalemia (C) increases ammonia production, precipitating hepatic encephalopathy. Aldosterone (A), creatinine (B), and protein (D) are not directly linked to this condition's onset.