Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does the liver create?
What does the liver create?
- Insulin
- Glycogen
- Glucose
- Bile (correct)
Where is the liver located?
Where is the liver located?
Right upper quadrant under the rib cage
Cirrhosis leads to the liver improving its ability to filter waste.
Cirrhosis leads to the liver improving its ability to filter waste.
False (B)
With cirrhosis, the production of ________ is compromised, leading to fluid leaking out of blood vessels.
With cirrhosis, the production of ________ is compromised, leading to fluid leaking out of blood vessels.
What are the symptoms of prolonged bleeding due to cirrhosis?
What are the symptoms of prolonged bleeding due to cirrhosis?
What is a common treatment for hepatic encephalopathy?
What is a common treatment for hepatic encephalopathy?
Which of the following is the most common cause of chronic inflammation of the liver?
Which of the following is the most common cause of chronic inflammation of the liver?
The liver can properly process bilirubin in the presence of cirrhosis.
The liver can properly process bilirubin in the presence of cirrhosis.
What is one of the functions of the liver related to vitamins?
What is one of the functions of the liver related to vitamins?
What substance indicates high risk for bleeding when low?
What substance indicates high risk for bleeding when low?
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Study Notes
Hepatic System Overview
- Liver produces bile, which helps break down dietary fats.
- Gallbladder stores bile until it is needed in the digestive tract.
- Pancreas secretes digestive enzymes: lipase, amylase, and protease for nutrient breakdown.
- The liver absorbs nutrients and detoxifies substances from digestion.
Chronic Inflammation of the Liver (Cirrhosis/Liver Failure)
- Located in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) under the rib cage.
- Cirrhosis results in extensive scarring, rendering liver tissue non-functional.
Functions of a Healthy Liver
- Waste Filtration: Cirrhosis prevents waste removal, risking organ failure.
- Albumin Production: Insufficient production leads to reduced oncotic pressure, causing:
- Fluid leakage into tissues (generalized edema and swelling).
- Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen).
- Compromised diaphragm, delayed wound healing, and increased infection risk.
- Metabolism: Dosage adjustments for medications required to avoid toxicity.
- Coagulation: Reduced clotting factor synthesis leading to:
- Bleeding, bruising, and prolonged bleeding from minor injuries.
- Management includes Vitamin K administration and monitoring PT/INR and platelets.
- Bile Production: Impaired processing results in:
- Jaundice, clay-colored feces, and orange/brown urine due to increased bilirubin.
- Vitamin and Mineral Storage: Deficiencies in A, D, E, K, B12, iron, and copper may occur.
- Glycogen Storage: Risk of hypo/hyperglycemia due to disrupted glucose regulation.
- Ammonia Control: Increased levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy:
- Symptoms include confusion, forgetfulness, altered consciousness, asterixis, slurred speech, and personality changes.
- Treatment focuses on dietary changes and medications like lactulose.
Causes of Chronic Liver Inflammation
- Alcohol consumption: most common cause of cirrhosis.
- Medications: Acetaminophen, TB medications, chemotherapy, and radiation can trigger damage.
- Viral Hepatitis:
- Hepatitis B: Vaccine available; antiretroviral therapy can reduce liver damage.
- Hepatitis C: Treatable with a 90-day daily pill regimen; only 20% of patients develop cirrhosis.
Portal Venous System Hypertension
- Results from scar tissue in cirrhosis obstructing normal blood flow from digestive organs to the liver.
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