A patient with chronic liver disease is at risk for hepatic failure. What symptom should the nurse monitor for?

In patients with chronic liver disease, the development of hepatic failure can lead to various systemic symptoms due to liver dysfunction and its effects on blood circulation, metabolism, and other organ systems. Among the options provided, monitoring for hypotension is particularly important.

Hepatic failure can cause a decrease in the liver's ability to produce essential proteins like albumin, which is critical for maintaining oncotic pressure in the blood vessels. This decrease can lead to fluid leakage into the extracellular space, reducing blood volume and contributing to hypotension. Additionally, liver dysfunction can result in an imbalance of vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive substances, further increasing the risk of low blood pressure.

In contrast, bradycardia may occur in some situations but is not a primary concern associated with hepatic failure. Increased appetite is unlikely because patients with hepatic failure often experience a loss of appetite or aversion to food due to metabolic imbalances and gastrointestinal symptoms. Elevated blood glucose levels are also not typical in hepatitis cases, as liver function is critical for glucose regulation, and dysfunction usually leads to a hypoglycemic state rather than hyperglycemia.

Therefore, focusing on hypotension provides a relevant and critical indicator of the patient's hemodynamic stability and the severity of their liver disease and its