A 61-year-old man with cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis C presents with increasing abdominal distension and ankle oedema. Ultrasound confirms moderate...

Question

A 61-year-old man with cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis C presents with increasing abdominal distension and ankle oedema. Ultrasound confirms moderate ascites without infection. What is the most appropriate first-line pharmacological treatment?

Accepted Answer

Spironolactone with fluid and sodium restriction

Answer

High-dose loop diuretics alone

Answer

Empirical broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics

Answer

Immediate transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Answer

Long-term Paracetamol for pain relief only

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

A 61-year-old man with cirrhosis from chronic hepatitis C presents with increasing abdominal distension and ankle oedema. Ultrasound confirms moderate ascites without infection. What is the most appropriate first-line pharmacological treatment?