What is the nurse's most important intervention for a client with cirrhosis in a hepatic coma?

The most essential intervention for a client with cirrhosis in a hepatic coma is to check airway, breathing, and circulation. This priority stems from the fact that hepatic coma, or hepatic encephalopathy, can lead to severe alterations in consciousness and respiratory function. Patients may become unresponsive, have impaired airway reflexes, and are at significant risk for respiratory complications.

Ensuring proper airway management directly influences the client’s ability to breathe and maintain adequate oxygenation. If the airway is compromised or if the client is unable to breathe adequately due to a decreased level of consciousness, immediate actions are required to secure the airway and provide respiratory support.

While performing neurological checks, cardiovascular assessments, or gastrointestinal assessments are also important and should be part of comprehensive care for this type of patient, they do not take precedence over ensuring that the client can breathe and that circulation is stable. Furthermore, orienting the client to their environment may not be feasible or safe during a state of hepatic coma, as the client may be confused or unable to respond effectively. Completing the client admission is a necessary administrative task but does not directly address the urgent medical needs presented by the compromised state of the client in hepatic coma. Thus, the focus must remain on airway, breathing, and