A 65-year-old man DH with liver cirrhosis is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with nausea and vomiting. He also has a diagnosis of heart failure.

A 65-year-old man DH with liver cirrhosis is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with nausea and vomiting. He also has a diagnosis of heart failure. You note that his serum albumin (protein) level is low. The physician has written admission orders, and you are trying to make the patient comfortable. He is to take nothing by mouth except for clear liquids. An intravenous infusion of dextrose 5% in water at 50 mL/hr has been ordered, and the nurses have had difficulty inserting his intravenous (IV) line. Describe how factors identified in the patient’s history would affect the following: • Absorption • Distribution • Metabolism • Excretion