A 60-year-old man with chronic liver disease presents with confusion and asterixis. Serum ammonia is elevated. He has no focal neurologic deficits. Wh...

Question

A 60-year-old man with chronic liver disease presents with confusion and asterixis. Serum ammonia is elevated. He has no focal neurologic deficits. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?

Accepted Answer

Lactulose

Answer

Intravenous mannitol

Answer

High-protein diet

Answer

Immediate liver transplant

Answer

Oral rifaximin alone

us-abfm MCQ (SBA): Hepatic encephalopathy

A 60-year-old man with chronic liver disease presents with confusion and asterixis. Serum ammonia is elevated. He has no focal neurologic deficits. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?