Q. A 53-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 6-month history of progressive fatigue, anorexia, and abdominal discomfort. He has also noticed that his eyes have turned yellowish, and his abdomen appears swollen. He has a 20-year history of heavy alcohol consumption, averaging about six to eight beers daily. He denies any significant medical history or family history of liver disease. He does not smoke or use any illicit drugs. On physical examination, he appears jaundiced with a distended abdomen. His blood pressure is 110/70 mmHg, pulse rate 95 bpm, respiratory rate 18 breaths per minute, temperature 98.2°F (36.8°C), and oxygen saturation 96% on room air. Abdominal examination reveals a fluid wave and tenderness in the right upper quadrant. Spider angiomas are seen on the upper chest, and palmar erythema is noted. Laboratory investigations show the following: AST: 160 U/L ALT: 120 U/L Alkaline phosphatase: 220 U/L Total bilirubin: 3.8 mg/dl Direct bilirubin: 2.6 mg/dl Albumin: 2.8 g/dl INR: 1.5 Complete blood count and electrolytes are within normal limits. Abdominal ultrasound confirms ascites and reveals a nodular liver. What is the most appropriate next step in management for this patient?