BCEN CEN Practice Question

This patient is likely presenting with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to liver cirrhosis, as indicated by altered mental status and asterixis, a flapping tremor of the hands. A distended abdomen may indicate ascites, which is common in cirrhosis. The primary management of hepatic encephalopathy includes lactulose, which works by decreasing ammonia production through the acidification of bowel contents and conversion of ammonia to ammonium. Fluid resuscitation and antibiotics to cover potential spontaneous bacterial peritonitis can be considered but are not the immediate intervention for altered mental status due to hepatic encephalopathy.