Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient with cirrhosis develops ascites. What dietary modification is most appropriate for managing this condition?
A patient with cirrhosis develops ascites. What dietary modification is most appropriate for managing this condition?
Which intervention is most important to include in the plan of care for a patient undergoing paracentesis to treat ascites?
Which intervention is most important to include in the plan of care for a patient undergoing paracentesis to treat ascites?
A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is prescribed lactulose. What indicates that the medication is having the desired therapeutic effect?
A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is prescribed lactulose. What indicates that the medication is having the desired therapeutic effect?
A nurse is caring for a patient with bleeding esophageal varices. Which intervention is the priority?
A nurse is caring for a patient with bleeding esophageal varices. Which intervention is the priority?
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What assessment finding is most indicative of hepatic encephalopathy?
What assessment finding is most indicative of hepatic encephalopathy?
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Which laboratory finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome?
Which laboratory finding is most consistent with a diagnosis of hepatorenal syndrome?
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A patient in the acute phase of hepatitis reports loss of appetite and fatigue. What nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A patient in the acute phase of hepatitis reports loss of appetite and fatigue. What nursing intervention is most appropriate?
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A patient with cirrhosis is at risk for developing esophageal varices. What should the nurse include in the patient's education to prevent this complication?
A patient with cirrhosis is at risk for developing esophageal varices. What should the nurse include in the patient's education to prevent this complication?
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A patient with cirrhosis presents with increased abdominal girth, dyspnea, and lower extremity edema. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate?
A patient with cirrhosis presents with increased abdominal girth, dyspnea, and lower extremity edema. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate?
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A patient with a history of cirrhosis is admitted with hematemesis and melena. Which of the following interventions is the highest priority?
A patient with a history of cirrhosis is admitted with hematemesis and melena. Which of the following interventions is the highest priority?
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Which laboratory finding is most indicative of acute pancreatitis?
Which laboratory finding is most indicative of acute pancreatitis?
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A patient with cirrhosis develops ascites. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism contributing to this condition?
A patient with cirrhosis develops ascites. What is the primary pathophysiological mechanism contributing to this condition?
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Following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a patient reports shoulder pain. What is the most likely cause of this pain?
Following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a patient reports shoulder pain. What is the most likely cause of this pain?
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Which dietary modification is most appropriate for a patient with chronic pancreatitis to manage steatorrhea?
Which dietary modification is most appropriate for a patient with chronic pancreatitis to manage steatorrhea?
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A patient with advanced cirrhosis exhibits asterixis. What physiological process explains this manifestation?
A patient with advanced cirrhosis exhibits asterixis. What physiological process explains this manifestation?
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Which of the following instructions is most important to include in the discharge teaching for a patient following a cholecystectomy?
Which of the following instructions is most important to include in the discharge teaching for a patient following a cholecystectomy?
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What is the primary rationale for placing a patient with acute pancreatitis on NPO status?
What is the primary rationale for placing a patient with acute pancreatitis on NPO status?
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A patient with cirrhosis has developed esophageal varices. Which medication is typically prescribed to reduce the risk of variceal bleeding?
A patient with cirrhosis has developed esophageal varices. Which medication is typically prescribed to reduce the risk of variceal bleeding?
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What is the significance of Cullen’s sign in a patient with acute pancreatitis?
What is the significance of Cullen’s sign in a patient with acute pancreatitis?
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Which of the following is a key difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?
Which of the following is a key difference between acute and chronic pancreatitis?
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A patient is scheduled for an ERCP. Which allergy is most important for the nurse to assess prior to the procedure?
A patient is scheduled for an ERCP. Which allergy is most important for the nurse to assess prior to the procedure?
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In the management of hepatic encephalopathy, what is the primary purpose of administering lactulose?
In the management of hepatic encephalopathy, what is the primary purpose of administering lactulose?
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A patient with cholelithiasis presents with jaundice and dark, tea-colored urine. What does this indicate?
A patient with cholelithiasis presents with jaundice and dark, tea-colored urine. What does this indicate?
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What is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient experiencing biliary colic due to cholelithiasis?
What is the most appropriate initial intervention for a patient experiencing biliary colic due to cholelithiasis?
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Why are patients with cirrhosis at increased risk for bleeding?
Why are patients with cirrhosis at increased risk for bleeding?
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Flashcards
Portal Hypertension
Portal Hypertension
Increased venous pressure in portal circulation, leading to complications like varices.
Esophageal Varices
Esophageal Varices
Dilated veins in the lower esophagus, risking life-threatening bleeding.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Neuropsychiatric changes due to elevated ammonia levels in the blood.
Ascites
Ascites
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Lactulose
Lactulose
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Hepatorenal Syndrome
Hepatorenal Syndrome
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Diet for Ascites
Diet for Ascites
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Asterixis
Asterixis
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Hepatitis Symptoms
Hepatitis Symptoms
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Diagnostic Studies for Hepatitis
Diagnostic Studies for Hepatitis
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Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
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Liver Function Tests
Liver Function Tests
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Cholelithiasis
Cholelithiasis
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Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy
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Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis
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Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms
Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms
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Chronic Pancreatitis Management
Chronic Pancreatitis Management
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Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis
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Cirrhosis Early Manifestations
Cirrhosis Early Manifestations
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Gallbladder Disease Risk Factors
Gallbladder Disease Risk Factors
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Liver Biopsy
Liver Biopsy
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ERCP
ERCP
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Post-Procedure Care
Post-Procedure Care
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Pancrelipase
Pancrelipase
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Jaundice
Jaundice
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Study Notes
Hepatic Diagnostic Tests
- Comprehensive metabolic panel: Albumin, Total Bilirubin, Chloride, Potassium, Alkaline phosphatase, Creatinine/BUN, Sodium, ALT/AST, CO2, Glucose, Total Protein
- Liver function tests: Total bilirubin, AST, A/G ratio, LDH, GGT, Albumin
- Hepatitis panel: Hepatitis A, AB, Hepatitis B antibody, IgM, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis C, AB
Endoscopic Procedures
- ERCP: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- Liver biopsy: Examination of liver tissue
Pre-procedure Care
- Bowel prep: NPO (nothing by mouth), cleansing laxative, enema
- Allergies/sensitivities: Iodine
- Consent form
- IV access
Post-procedure Care
- NPO until gag reflex returns (or bowel sounds return, up to 24 hours)
- Monitor vital signs (every 15 minutes for first hour, every 30 minutes for next hour, then hourly for 2 hours)
- Assess for complications: Bleeding, infection, respiratory depression
Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
- Stones in the gallbladder
- Most common biliary disorder
- Stones not always requiring removal
- Types: Pigment stones (10-25%), Cholesterol stones
- Risk factors: Obesity, female gender, high-fat diet, genetics, age, diabetes ("Fat, Forty, Female")
- Symptoms: Pain, biliary colic, jaundice, itching (pruritis), dark urine, light-colored stools, vitamin deficiencies, pain under rib cage, referred scapular pain
- Diagnostics: Ultrasound (rapid and accurate), abdominal X-ray (rarely shows stones), ERCP
- Blood tests: Increased WBCs, bilirubin, AST, LDH, ALP, cholesterol (>200 mg/dL)
- Treatment: Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), dietary modifications (low-fat, low-cholesterol)
- Nursing care: Encourage ambulation to reduce gas, cough/deep breathing exercises, monitor and teach patient about potential complications after surgery.
Cholecystitis
- Inflammation of the gallbladder
- Often associated with cholelithiasis
- Possible medication/diet-induced
- Treatment: Cholecystectomy
Acute Pancreatitis
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Common causes: Alcohol abuse (men), gallstones (women)
- Self-digestion of the pancreas
- Other causes: Alcohol abuse, biliary tract disease, bacterial/viral infection, trauma, drug toxicity, smoking, idiopathic (unknown cause)
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain (severe, deep, piercing, epigastric/LUQ, radiating to back), fever, jaundice, hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, increased respiratory rate, crackles, Turner's sign (flank discoloration), Cullen's sign (periumbilical discoloration), worsened by food, dry skin, intravascular damage, decreased/absent bowel sounds, shock
- Management: Prevent shock, reduce pancreatic secretions (NG tube, NPO), correct fluid/electrolyte imbalances, treat underlying cause, IV fluids/antibiotics, NPO initially then clear liquids/bland foods, small frequent meals (5-6x/day), high-carb, low-fat diet, no medications by mouth (PO)
- Diagnostics: Increased serum/urine amylase, increased serum lipase, decreased serum calcium, increased serum bilirubin, increased WBCs, increased blood glucose
- Procedures: CT scan, ERCP, abdominal ultrasound
Chronic Pancreatitis
- Progressive, inflammatory damage to the pancreas
- Causes: Alcohol abuse, gallstones, pseudocysts, previous acute pancreatitis
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain (dull, achy), steatorrhea (fatty stools), distinct stool odor, episodic nausea/vomiting, weight loss
- Diagnostics: ERCP, MRI, CT, ultrasound
- Management: Non-opioid pain relievers, pancreatic enzyme replacement, H2 or PPI (proton pump inhibitors), dietary modifications (no alcohol/smoking, bland low-fat diet, small frequent meals), surgical intervention if biliary disease/obstruction/pseudocyst
- Pancreatic enzyme products: Pancrelipase (e.g., Pancreas, Riqase) - replace pancreatic enzymes, take with meals/snacks
- Potential side effects: Nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps
- Nursing management: Chronic care and health management, antacids, no alcohol, report symptom changes, maintain diet diary
Cirrhosis
- Chronic, progressive liver disease with extensive parenchymal cell destruction and scarring
- Causes: Alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, malnutrition, hepatitis
- Early symptoms: GI disturbances, abdominal pain, fatigue, enlarged liver/spleen
- Advanced symptoms: Hepatic encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, asterixis (flapping tremor), jaundice, spider angiomas, palmar erythema, purpura, petechiae, caput medusae (veins on abdomen), anemia, thrombocytopenia, coagulation disorders, splenomegaly, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia, fluid retention, ascites, anorexia, dyspepsia, nausea/vomiting, bowel changes, esophageal/gastric varices, hematemesis, hemorrhoidal varices, amenorrhea, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, impotence
- Common complications: Portal hypertension, esophageal/gastric varices, peripheral edema, ascites, splenomegaly, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome
- Collaborative care: B-complex vitamins, avoid alcohol/aspirin/NSAIDs, manage ascites (diuretics, paracentesis), prevent/manage esophageal varices/encephalopathy
- Nutrition (no complications): High calorie, high carbohydrate, low-fat, moderate protein diet
- Nutrition (ascites/edema): Low sodium
Lactulose
- Action: Inhibits intestinal ammonia production
- Expected outcome: Decreased serum ammonia, improved mentation, increased bowel movements
- Side effects: Diarrhea, increased bowel sounds, flatulence, bloating
- Note: Ammonia excretion in stool, do not stop dose.
Esophageal Varices
- Dilated veins in the lower esophagus
- Life-threatening complication of cirrhosis, leading to bleeding if rupture
- Treatment: Stabilize patient, airway management, IV fluids, 1:1 care, balloon tamponade (NG suction, semi-Fowler's position)
Ascites
- Fluid accumulation in the abdomen
- Management: Daily weights, abdominal girth measurements, high carbohydrate, low sodium diet (<2 g/day), diuretics, paracentesis, peritoneovenous shunt (less common)
Hepatorenal Syndrome
- Serious cirrhosis complication leading to functional renal failure (azotemia and oliguria)
- Difficult to treat
Hepatic Encephalopathy
- Neuropsychiatric condition from elevated serum ammonia levels, can result in: Asterixis and Fector hepaticus (musty breath)
- Management: Ammonia-lowering therapies (e.g., lactulose, antibiotics, cathartics/enema), patient monitoring
Hepatitis
- Inflammation of the liver, often viral (A, B, C, D, E, G)
- Other causes: Drugs, alcohol, chemicals, autoimmune liver disease, metabolic abnormalities, bacteria
- Acute phase: Asymptomatic or mild malaise, anorexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache, low-grade fever, arthralgia, skin rashes
- Physical exam may reveal: Hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly
- Convalescent phase: Begins as jaundice resolves, lasts weeks to months
- Chronic phase: Asymptomatic until significant liver disease develops
- Diagnostics: Physical assessment (tenderness, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly), lab tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin, prothrombin time, hepatitis panel)
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Description
This quiz covers essential hepatic diagnostic tests, including metabolic panels and liver function tests, as well as endoscopic procedures like ERCP and liver biopsies. It also addresses pre- and post-procedure care, focusing on patient preparation and monitoring for complications. Test your knowledge of these important medical procedures.