A 72-year-old woman with known cirrhosis presents with increasing abdominal distension and ankle swelling. She has shifting dullness on examination. B...

Question

A 72-year-old woman with known cirrhosis presents with increasing abdominal distension and ankle swelling. She has shifting dullness on examination. Blood tests show serum sodium 130 mmol/L and creatinine is mildly elevated. What is the most appropriate initial pharmacological treatment for her ascites?

Accepted Answer

Spironolactone monotherapy titrated up

Answer

High-dose loop diuretic alone

Answer

Thiazide diuretic monotherapy

Answer

Immediate transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

Answer

No diuretics; fluid restriction only

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Cirrhotic ascites