Which of the following could indicate a need for further assessment in a patient suffering from liver disease?

The presence of drowsiness and confusion in a patient with liver disease is significant and indicates a potential need for further assessment. These symptoms may suggest hepatic encephalopathy, a condition resulting from the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream due to impaired liver function. As the liver fails to detoxify these substances, they can affect brain function, leading to mental status changes such as confusion, lethargy, or drowsiness.

In patients with liver disease, any changes in neurological status should prompt immediate evaluation, as they may indicate the progression of liver disease, potentially requiring interventions to manage increased ammonia levels or other metabolic disturbances. Therefore, the observation of drowsiness and confusion necessitates further assessment to determine the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment.