A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Which of the following complications should the nurse monitor for?

Choice A reason: Esophageal varices are a major complication of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Increased portal vein pressure from liver scarring causes collateral vessel formation, including varices in the esophagus. These fragile vessels can rupture, leading to life-threatening gastrointestinal bleeding, requiring urgent monitoring and interventions like band ligation or beta-blockers to reduce risk. Choice B reason: Pulmonary edema is not directly associated with cirrhosis or portal hypertension. It occurs in heart failure or fluid overload, which may be secondary to other conditions but not a primary complication of liver disease. Cirrhosis complications focus on portal system effects, like varices, rather than pulmonary fluid accumulation. Choice C reason: Hypoglycemia may occur in end-stage cirrhosis due to impaired gluconeogenesis in the liver, but it is not the primary complication of portal hypertension. Esophageal varices pose a more immediate, life-threatening risk due to potential massive bleeding, making them a higher monitoring priority than metabolic disturbances like hypoglycemia. Choice D reason: Hypernatremia is not a common complication of cirrhosis or portal hypertension. Cirrhosis may lead to hyponatremia due to impaired water excretion and fluid retention from low albumin and aldosterone dysregulation. Monitoring for varices is more critical, as they pose a direct risk of catastrophic bleeding compared to electrolyte imbalances.