What assessment findings should the nurse anticipate in a client with cirrhosis and ascites due to increased abdominal pressure?

In a client with cirrhosis and ascites, several assessment findings are anticipated due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and the resulting increase in abdominal pressure.

Abdominal distention and tenderness are direct consequences of fluid buildup in ascites, leading to noticeable swelling of the abdomen. This distention can also cause discomfort or pain, contributing to the tenderness upon palpation.

Orthopnea and dyspnea may occur as the ascites increases pressure on the diaphragm and lungs, making it difficult for the client to breathe comfortably when lying flat. This can lead to respiratory distress due to reduced lung expansion, further complicating the clinical picture.

Additionally, petechiae and ecchymosis can be present in cirrhosis due to impaired liver function affecting coagulation and resulting in easy bruising. This is often seen with platelet dysfunction and clotting factor abnormalities that arise from liver disease.

Thus, all these symptoms together illustrate the multifaceted impact of cirrhosis and ascites on the body, making it appropriate to anticipate a combination of these findings in the assessment of a client with this condition.