Nutrition Support Clinician Exam Prep

Answer: A - Clinical signs of cirrhosis of the liver are ascites (abdominal edema) and hypoalbuminemia, resulting from the replacement of healthy liver cells with fibrous connective tissue. This buildup of abnormal tissue disrupts normal blood flow, eventually leading to portal hypertension, expansion of esophageal veins, hypernatremia, and increased hepatic plasma volume. The end result of these changes is decreased serum albumin and fat malabsorption, with eventual nutrient deficiencies.