A 56-year-old man with alcohol-related cirrhosis presents with new-onset tense ascites. He has no fever, abdominal tenderness, or encephalopathy. Whic...

Question

A 56-year-old man with alcohol-related cirrhosis presents with new-onset tense ascites. He has no fever, abdominal tenderness, or encephalopathy. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Diagnostic paracentesis to evaluate the ascitic fluid

Answer

Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics without further testing

Answer

Start lifelong beta-blocker therapy

Answer

Schedule elective transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

Answer

Discharge with salt tablets to increase intravascular volume

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Ascites in cirrhosis

A 56-year-old man with alcohol-related cirrhosis presents with new-onset tense ascites. He has no fever, abdominal tenderness, or encephalopathy. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step?