A 68-year-old man with decompensated liver cirrhosis presents with increasing abdominal distension and ankle swelling. Examination shows shifting dull...

Question

A 68-year-old man with decompensated liver cirrhosis presents with increasing abdominal distension and ankle swelling. Examination shows shifting dullness and pitting oedema. Blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg and renal function is normal. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacological management of his ascites?

Accepted Answer

Start Spironolactone with salt restriction

Answer

Start high-dose loop diuretic alone

Answer

Restrict fluids severely without diuretics

Answer

Immediate large-volume paracentesis without albumin

Answer

Start ACE inhibitor therapy

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Ascites in cirrhosis