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A patient receiving palliative care for end-stage liver disease experiences severe pruritus. What intervention should the palliative nurse prioritize to address the patient's symptoms?

  • A. Administer antihistamine medications for itch relief.
  • B. Recommend topical corticosteroid creams to alleviate itching.
  • C. Encourage the patient to avoid hot showers or baths to prevent exacerbation of pruritus.
  • D. Prescribe cholestyramine or other bile acid sequestrants for pruritus management.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In end-stage liver disease, pruritus (itching) can be a distressing symptom caused by the accumulation of bile salts in the skin due to impaired liver function. Cholestyramine and other bile acid sequestrants are the primary treatment for managing pruritus in these patients. These medications bind to the bile salts in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption and reducing the itching symptoms. Antihistamines may not be as effective for this type of pruritus since it is not histamine-mediated. Topical corticosteroids are generally not recommended for long-term use in liver disease due to the risk of systemic absorption and adverse effects. Avoiding hot showers or baths may provide some temporary relief but is not a definitive treatment. Therefore, prioritizing the prescription of cholestyramine or bile acid sequestrants would be the most appropriate intervention to address the severe pruritus in a patient with end-stage liver disease