Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient with cirrhosis is being treated with lactulose. Which of the following indicates the medication is having the desired effect?
A patient with cirrhosis is being treated with lactulose. Which of the following indicates the medication is having the desired effect?
A patient with esophageal varices is prescribed to avoid certain medications. Which medication should the nurse educate the patient to avoid?
A patient with esophageal varices is prescribed to avoid certain medications. Which medication should the nurse educate the patient to avoid?
A patient with ascites is scheduled for a paracentesis. Which nursing intervention is most important prior to the procedure?
A patient with ascites is scheduled for a paracentesis. Which nursing intervention is most important prior to the procedure?
A patient with cirrhosis develops hepatic encephalopathy. Which dietary modification is most appropriate for this patient?
A patient with cirrhosis develops hepatic encephalopathy. Which dietary modification is most appropriate for this patient?
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Following a paracentesis, a patient exhibits signs of hypovolemia. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
Following a paracentesis, a patient exhibits signs of hypovolemia. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
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Which assessment finding is most indicative of hepatorenal syndrome in a patient with cirrhosis?
Which assessment finding is most indicative of hepatorenal syndrome in a patient with cirrhosis?
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A patient with cirrhosis has a distended abdomen due to ascites. What nursing intervention will assist in monitoring the progression of the ascites?
A patient with cirrhosis has a distended abdomen due to ascites. What nursing intervention will assist in monitoring the progression of the ascites?
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During the acute phase of Hepatitis A, what symptoms might the nurse assess?
During the acute phase of Hepatitis A, what symptoms might the nurse assess?
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A patient with liver failure develops asterixis. How should the nurse assess for it.
A patient with liver failure develops asterixis. How should the nurse assess for it.
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What is the primary purpose of a balloon tamponade in managing bleeding esophageal varices?
What is the primary purpose of a balloon tamponade in managing bleeding esophageal varices?
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Which laboratory finding is LEAST likely to be associated with acute pancreatitis?
Which laboratory finding is LEAST likely to be associated with acute pancreatitis?
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A patient with cirrhosis develops ascites. Which dietary modification is most appropriate for managing this complication?
A patient with cirrhosis develops ascites. Which dietary modification is most appropriate for managing this complication?
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Following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a patient reports significant shoulder pain. What is the MOST appropriate nursing intervention?
Following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a patient reports significant shoulder pain. What is the MOST appropriate nursing intervention?
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Which of the following assessment findings is MOST indicative of hepatic encephalopathy in a patient with cirrhosis?
Which of the following assessment findings is MOST indicative of hepatic encephalopathy in a patient with cirrhosis?
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A patient with chronic pancreatitis is prescribed pancrelipase. What should the nurse include in patient education regarding this medication?
A patient with chronic pancreatitis is prescribed pancrelipase. What should the nurse include in patient education regarding this medication?
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A patient with cholelithiasis develops jaundice and reports dark, tea-colored urine. What physiological process MOST likely explains these findings?
A patient with cholelithiasis develops jaundice and reports dark, tea-colored urine. What physiological process MOST likely explains these findings?
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A patient is scheduled for an ERCP. Which allergy is of MOST concern to report to the provider before the procedure?
A patient is scheduled for an ERCP. Which allergy is of MOST concern to report to the provider before the procedure?
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A patient with acute pancreatitis is NPO. Which intervention is MOST important to manage during this time?
A patient with acute pancreatitis is NPO. Which intervention is MOST important to manage during this time?
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A patient with cirrhosis is at risk for bleeding esophageal varices. Which medication is MOST likely prescribed to prevent this complication?
A patient with cirrhosis is at risk for bleeding esophageal varices. Which medication is MOST likely prescribed to prevent this complication?
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What is the MOST significant risk factor for developing pigment gallstones?
What is the MOST significant risk factor for developing pigment gallstones?
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A patient recovering from a cholecystectomy asks about dietary changes. Which recommendation is BEST for the nurse to provide?
A patient recovering from a cholecystectomy asks about dietary changes. Which recommendation is BEST for the nurse to provide?
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Which nursing intervention is MOST important after a liver biopsy to prevent complications?
Which nursing intervention is MOST important after a liver biopsy to prevent complications?
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A patient with acute pancreatitis develops Turner's sign. What does this clinical finding indicate?
A patient with acute pancreatitis develops Turner's sign. What does this clinical finding indicate?
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Which combination of serum lab values BEST indicates the diagnostic of acute pancreatitis?
Which combination of serum lab values BEST indicates the diagnostic of acute pancreatitis?
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Which clinical manifestation is UNLIKELY to be found in a pateint with cirrhosis?
Which clinical manifestation is UNLIKELY to be found in a pateint with cirrhosis?
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A patient with cirrhosis is newly diagnosed with portal hypertension. What pathophysiological process MOST directly contributes to this condition?
A patient with cirrhosis is newly diagnosed with portal hypertension. What pathophysiological process MOST directly contributes to this condition?
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A patient with esophageal varices experiences a sudden hemorrhage. After initial stabilization, which intervention is MOST crucial in preventing re-bleeding?
A patient with esophageal varices experiences a sudden hemorrhage. After initial stabilization, which intervention is MOST crucial in preventing re-bleeding?
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A patient with ascites is undergoing a paracentesis. Following the procedure, the nurse should monitor for which of the following complications that indicates excessive fluid removal?
A patient with ascites is undergoing a paracentesis. Following the procedure, the nurse should monitor for which of the following complications that indicates excessive fluid removal?
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A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is started on lactulose. What assessment finding would indicate the medication is having a therapeutic effect?
A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is started on lactulose. What assessment finding would indicate the medication is having a therapeutic effect?
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A patient with cirrhosis develops hepatorenal syndrome. Which combination of assessment findings is MOST indicative of this complication?
A patient with cirrhosis develops hepatorenal syndrome. Which combination of assessment findings is MOST indicative of this complication?
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A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is prescribed a diet low in animal protein. What is the rationale behind this dietary restriction?
A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is prescribed a diet low in animal protein. What is the rationale behind this dietary restriction?
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During the convalescent phase of Hepatitis A, which nursing intervention is MOST important for promoting recovery?
During the convalescent phase of Hepatitis A, which nursing intervention is MOST important for promoting recovery?
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A patient with cirrhosis is being discharged. Which of the following instructions is MOST important to include in the discharge teaching to prevent complications?
A patient with cirrhosis is being discharged. Which of the following instructions is MOST important to include in the discharge teaching to prevent complications?
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A nurse is caring for a patient with cirrhosis who has developed splenomegaly. What is the PRIMARY hematological risk associated with this condition?
A nurse is caring for a patient with cirrhosis who has developed splenomegaly. What is the PRIMARY hematological risk associated with this condition?
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A patient with cirrhosis and ascites is prescribed spironolactone. What electrolyte imbalance is the nurse MOST concerned about monitoring?
A patient with cirrhosis and ascites is prescribed spironolactone. What electrolyte imbalance is the nurse MOST concerned about monitoring?
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A patient with cholelithiasis presents with right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting after consuming a high-fat meal. Which diagnostic test would be MOST appropriate to initially confirm the diagnosis?
A patient with cholelithiasis presents with right upper quadrant pain, nausea, and vomiting after consuming a high-fat meal. Which diagnostic test would be MOST appropriate to initially confirm the diagnosis?
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A patient is recovering from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse prioritize in discharge teaching to address the MOST common post-operative discomfort?
A patient is recovering from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse prioritize in discharge teaching to address the MOST common post-operative discomfort?
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A patient admitted with acute pancreatitis has been NPO for several days. Which assessment finding would indicate the MOST concerning complication related to this prolonged period of NPO status?
A patient admitted with acute pancreatitis has been NPO for several days. Which assessment finding would indicate the MOST concerning complication related to this prolonged period of NPO status?
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A patient with chronic pancreatitis reports persistent, greasy stools despite following a low-fat diet. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate the provider will order to address this issue?
A patient with chronic pancreatitis reports persistent, greasy stools despite following a low-fat diet. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate the provider will order to address this issue?
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A patient with cirrhosis develops new-onsite ascites and peripheral edema. Which of the following pathophysiological mechanisms MOST directly contributes to these findings?
A patient with cirrhosis develops new-onsite ascites and peripheral edema. Which of the following pathophysiological mechanisms MOST directly contributes to these findings?
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A patient with cirrhosis is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which pre-procedure laboratory value is MOST critical for the nurse to assess and report to the provider BEFORE the procedure?
A patient with cirrhosis is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which pre-procedure laboratory value is MOST critical for the nurse to assess and report to the provider BEFORE the procedure?
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Which assessment finding would MOST strongly suggest the development of hypocalcemia in a patient with acute pancreatitis?
Which assessment finding would MOST strongly suggest the development of hypocalcemia in a patient with acute pancreatitis?
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A patient with a history of excessive alcohol use is admitted with cirrhosis. The nurse notes the patient is confused and has impaired motor function. Which intervention is MOST important to include in the plan of care?
A patient with a history of excessive alcohol use is admitted with cirrhosis. The nurse notes the patient is confused and has impaired motor function. Which intervention is MOST important to include in the plan of care?
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A patient with cirrhosis develops esophageal varices. The nurse understands that this complication is primarily a result of which of the processes?
A patient with cirrhosis develops esophageal varices. The nurse understands that this complication is primarily a result of which of the processes?
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A patient with chronic pancreatitis is being discharged. Which dietary instruction is MOST important for the nurse to emphasize to the patient?
A patient with chronic pancreatitis is being discharged. Which dietary instruction is MOST important for the nurse to emphasize to the patient?
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A patient underwent an ERCP for the removal of a common bile duct stone. Post-procedure, the patient reports new-onset abdominal pain and distension. Which complication does this MOST likely indicate?
A patient underwent an ERCP for the removal of a common bile duct stone. Post-procedure, the patient reports new-onset abdominal pain and distension. Which complication does this MOST likely indicate?
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A patient with acute pancreatitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. What is the MOST appropriate initial nursing intervention to manage this pain?
A patient with acute pancreatitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. What is the MOST appropriate initial nursing intervention to manage this pain?
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What is the MOST important nursing consideration when caring for a patient following a liver biopsy?
What is the MOST important nursing consideration when caring for a patient following a liver biopsy?
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A patient with cirrhosis is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to provide relief?
A patient with cirrhosis is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention is MOST appropriate to provide relief?
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A patient with cholelithiasis develops jaundice and reports dark, tea-colored urine. The nurse correlates these findings to which of the following?
A patient with cholelithiasis develops jaundice and reports dark, tea-colored urine. The nurse correlates these findings to which of the following?
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Flashcards
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
A test that includes measurements of various substances in the blood to assess metabolic function.
Liver Function Tests
Liver Function Tests
Tests that measure substances like ALT, AST, and bilirubin to evaluate liver health.
Hepatitis Panel
Hepatitis Panel
A set of blood tests to identify Hepatitis A, B, and C infections.
Cholelithiasis
Cholelithiasis
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Clinical Manifestations of Cholelithiasis
Clinical Manifestations of Cholelithiasis
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Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy
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Acute Pancreatitis
Acute Pancreatitis
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Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic Pancreatitis
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Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis
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Common Complications of Cirrhosis
Common Complications of Cirrhosis
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Diagnostic Tests for Pancreatitis
Diagnostic Tests for Pancreatitis
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Post-Procedure Care
Post-Procedure Care
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Bile Duct Obstruction
Bile Duct Obstruction
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Risk Factors for Cholelithiasis
Risk Factors for Cholelithiasis
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Nursing Diagnosis for Cirrhosis
Nursing Diagnosis for Cirrhosis
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Portal Hypertension
Portal Hypertension
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Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic Encephalopathy
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Hepatorenal Syndrome
Hepatorenal Syndrome
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Esophageal Varices
Esophageal Varices
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Ascites
Ascites
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Lactulose
Lactulose
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Diet for Liver Disease
Diet for Liver Disease
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Signs of Hepatitis
Signs of Hepatitis
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Diagnostic Studies for Hepatitis
Diagnostic Studies for Hepatitis
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Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy
Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy
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ERCP
ERCP
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Pre-procedure Care
Pre-procedure Care
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Bowel Prep
Bowel Prep
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Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis
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Pancreatitis Causes
Pancreatitis Causes
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Turner’s Sign
Turner’s Sign
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Cullen’s Sign
Cullen’s Sign
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Fatty Stools
Fatty Stools
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Serum Lipase
Serum Lipase
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Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms
Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms
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Chronic Pancreatitis Management
Chronic Pancreatitis Management
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Biliary Colic
Biliary Colic
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Nutritional Needs in Cirrhosis
Nutritional Needs in Cirrhosis
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Fat-Soluble Vitamin Deficiency
Fat-Soluble Vitamin Deficiency
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Nutrition for Liver Disease
Nutrition for Liver Disease
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Management of Esophageal Varices
Management of Esophageal Varices
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Floating Abdomen Marking
Floating Abdomen Marking
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Asterixis
Asterixis
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Study Notes
Hepatic Diagnostic Tests
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: Includes albumin, total bilirubin, chloride, potassium, alkaline phosphatase (Alk phos), creatinine/BUN, sodium, ALT/AST, CO2, glucose, and total protein.
- Liver Function Tests: Measure total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and albumin.
- Hepatitis Panel: Tests for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis B antibody, IgM, Hepatitis C antibody.
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): A procedure for visualizing the bile and pancreatic ducts.
- Liver Biopsy: A tissue sample of the liver for examination.
Pre-procedure Care for Diagnostic Procedures
- Bowel Prep: NPO (nothing by mouth), cleansing laxatives, and enemas are used.
- Allergies/Sensitivities: Known allergies, particularly to iodine, are documented.
- Consent: Informed consent is obtained.
- IV Access: IV access is established.
Post-procedure Care
- Post-procedure fasting: No food or liquids until gag reflex (or bowel sounds if longer than 24 hours) returns.
- Vital Signs Monitoring: Vital signs taken every 15 minutes for the first hour, every 30 minutes for the next hour, and hourly for the next 2 hours.
- Complications: Monitor for bleeding, infection, or respiratory depression.
Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)
- Definition: Stones in the gallbladder, the most common biliary system disorder.
- Pathophysiology: Pigment stones (10-25%) and cholesterol stones are common types. Stones do not always require removal.
- Risk Factors: Obesity, female gender, high-fat diet, genetics, age, and diabetes ("Fat, Forty, Female").
- Clinical Manifestations: Pain (biliary colic – squeezing and releasing pain), jaundice, itching (pruritis - due to uremic frost), dark urine (tea-colored), light-colored stools (clay-colored), vitamin deficiencies, pain under the rib cage, referred pain to the scapula.
- Diagnostics: Ultrasound (rapid and accurate), abdominal X-rays (rarely show stones), ERCP.
- Blood Chemistry Findings: Increased white blood cells (WBCs), bilirubin, AST, LDH, ALP, and cholesterol (over 200mg/dL).
- Medical Management: Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal), dietary management (low-fat, low-cholesterol diet).
- Nursing Care: Focus on post-operative pain management, early ambulation (to decrease gas pain), and respiratory support (cough and deep breathing).
- Patient Education: Importance of reporting temperature above 100.5°F, drainage, wound care with soap and water, a bland diet for 7-10 days, incentive spirometer, and reporting any wound openings.
Cholecystitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often associated with gallstones.
- Management: Often includes cholecystectomy (removal of the gallbladder). Can be medication or diet induced.
Acute Pancreatitis
- Causes: Alcohol abuse (men), gallstones (women), bacterial/viral infection, trauma (car accidents), drug toxicities, smoking, and idiopathic.
- Clinical Manifestations: Abdominal pain (severe, deep, piercing; often aggravated by eating), radiating pain to the back/lower back, mild epigastric/ LUQ pain, Fever, Jaundice, hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, increased respiratory rate, crackles, Turner's sign (blue discoloration on flanks, especially on the left), Cullen's sign (blue/gray periumbilical discoloration), decreased/absent bowel sounds, dry skin, shock. Risk for intravascular damage related to trypsin.
- Diagnostics: Increased serum and urine amylase, increased serum lipase, decreased serum calcium, increased serum bilirubin, increased WBCs, increased blood glucose (insulin production impaired). CT scan, ERCP, and abdominal ultrasound are diagnostic procedures.
- Management: Preventing and alleviating shock, reducing pancreatic secretions (NG tube with low wall suction, NPO status), correcting fluid/electrolyte imbalances, removing the cause, IV fluids and antibiotics. Important aspects include NO oral medications (PO), incentive spirometer, and a gradual advancement in diet (clear liquids after 24-48hrs, then bland, easily digested food). Avoidance of scratching and a low-fat diet; small, frequent feedings (5-6 per day).
- Patient Education: Gradual advancement in diet, high carb, low-fat diet, low protein, keeping a diary of symptoms and deviations from baseline.
Chronic Pancreatitis
- Definition: Progressive destruction of the pancreas.
- Causes: Alcohol abuse, gallstones, pseudocysts, and acute pancreatitis.
- Clinical Manifestations: Dull, achy abdominal pain, steatorrhea (fatty stools), distinct odor, nausea/vomiting, weight loss.
- Diagnostics: ERCP, MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound are commonly used.
- Management: Nonopioid pain medications, pancreatic enzyme replacement with bile salts, PPIs/H2 blockers, low-fat, bland diet, avoidance of alcohol, smoking, small frequent meals. Surgical management may be needed in cases of biliary disease or obstruction/pseudocysts.
- Pancreatic enzymes (e.g., pancrelipase): Replacement therapy taken with meals to improve nutritional status/reduce fatty stools; side effects include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps.
- Nursing management includes chronic care and health management, antacids after meals and at bedtime, reporting symptoms, and keeping a symptom diary; absolutely no alcohol.
Cirrhosis
- Definition: Chronic, progressive liver disease characterized by scarring and fibrosis of the liver; extensive parenchymal cell degeneration, destruction of parenchymal cells.
- Causes: Alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, malnutrition, hepatitis infection, Gallbladder disease, Hepatitis, pancreatitis.
- Etiology/Pathophysiology: Excessive alcohol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, malnutrition, genetic complication of hepatitis are underlying causes.
- Early manifestations: GI disturbances (anorexia, dyspepsia, changes in bowel habits, flatulence, nausea, vomiting), abdominal pain (Chronic achy/uncomfortable), fever, lassitude (physical/mental weariness), enlarged liver/spleen.
- Clinical Manifestations: Neuro (hepatic encephalopathy, peripheral neuropathy, asterixis), Integumentary (jaundice, spider angiomas, palmar erythema, purpura, petechiae, caput medusae), Hematological (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, coagulation disorders), Metabolic (hypokalemia, hyponatremia, hypoalbuminemia), Cardiovascular (fluid retention, peripheral edema, ascites), GI (anorexia, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, bowel habit changes, dull abdominal pain, esophageal/gastric varices, hematemesis, hemorrhoidal varices), and Reproductive (amenorrhea, testicular atrophy, gynecomastia, impotence).
- Nursing Diagnosis: Imbalanced nutrition, impaired skin integrity, ineffective breathing pattern, excess fluid volume, alcoholism.
- Complications: Portal hypertension (increased venous pressure, esophageal and gastric varices, peripheral edema, ascites, splenomegaly, large collateral veins, systemic hypertension), hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome.
- Collaborative Care: Vitamin B-complex administration (banana bag every 24 hrs), alcohol avoidance (avoid aspirin, acetaminophen, NSAIDS), management of ascites, prevention/management of esophageal varices and encephalopathy, monitor for hypovolemia, electrolyte imbalance, bleeding/ leakage, respiratory status, and electrolyte disturbances.
- Nutrition: For pt w/o complications high calorie, high carb, low fat, low protein; Low sodium diet for ascites/edema.
- Nursing Interventions: Accurate I&O, daily weights, abdominal girth and extremity measurements, paracentesis, monitor dressing post procedure for bleeding/leakage, check respiratory status frequently, monitor for electrolyte disturbances, High fowlers/side of bed, monitor pt. for hypovolemia, monitor pt.s I'os and output, monitor closely for neuro s/s.
- Peritoneovenous shunt: Continuous reinfusion of ascitic fluid from the vena cava; not first-line therapy; complications include thrombosis, infection, fluid overload.
Lactulose
- Action: Inhibits intestinal ammonia production, decreasing serum ammonia levels.
- Expected Outcome: Decreased serum ammonia, improved mental status, increased bowel movements (resulting in diarrhea).
- Side Effects: Diarrhea, increased bowel sounds, flatulence, bloating. Do not stop or hold the dose (NH4 is excreted through stool).
Esophageal Varices
- Definition: Abnormally dilated, enlarged, and tortuous veins in the lower esophagus.
- Complications: Bleeding is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis.
- Management: Stabilize the patient, manage the airway, provide IV therapy, 1:1 nursing care, balloon tamponade (NG suction, semi-Fowler's position, oral/nasal care to control hemorrhage by compressing the varices). Avoid alcohol, aspirin, NSAIDs. Watch for irritants to prevent bleeding
Ascites
- Management: Daily weight, daily abdominal girth measurement, High-carb, low-sodium diet (<2g/day), diuretics, and paracentesis (temporary).
Hepatorenal Syndrome
- Definition: Serious complication of cirrhosis causing functional renal failure. Characterized by azotemia (high urea and creatinine), oliguria (<30 mL/hr urine output), and intractable ascites.
Hepatic Encephalopathy
- Definition: Neuropsychiatric manifestations from elevated serum ammonia levels (>49). Neurological status declines as ammonia levels rise.
- Clinical Manifestations: Asterixis (flapping hand tremor), Fetor hepaticus (musty/sweaty breath odor), changes in neuro/mental status (sleep disturbance to coma).
- Treatment: Antibiotics, lactulose, cathartics/enema.
Hepatitis
- Definition: Inflammation of the liver, commonly caused by viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, G), and other factors such as drugs, alcohol, chemicals, autoimmune disease, metabolic abnormalities, and bacteria. Viral hepatitis is the most common type.
- Clinical Manifestations (Acute): Malaise, anorexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, headache, low-grade fever, arthralgia, skin rashes; possible hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly. Lasts 1-4 months. Usually asymptomatic.
- Clinical Manifestations (Convalescent): Begins as jaundice is disappearing, lasts weeks to months; symptoms are primarily malaise and easy fatigability.
- Clinical Manifestations (Chronic): May be asymptomatic until severe liver damage appears.
- Diagnostic Studies: Physical examination (liver tenderness, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly), lab tests (AST, ALT, serum bilirubin, urinary bilirubin, prothrombin time, and hepatitis panel).
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Description
This quiz covers various hepatic diagnostic tests, including the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, Liver Function Tests, Hepatitis Panel, ERCP, and Liver Biopsy. It also addresses pre-procedure care, such as bowel preparation and consent requirements. Test your knowledge of these essential liver assessments and procedures.