Podcast
Questions and Answers
A patient presents with jaundice, pruritus, and pale stools. Which of the following underlying mechanisms BEST explains these manifestations in the context of hepatitis?
A patient presents with jaundice, pruritus, and pale stools. Which of the following underlying mechanisms BEST explains these manifestations in the context of hepatitis?
- Reduced synthesis of clotting factors resulting in increased capillary permeability.
- Elevated levels of liver enzymes causing direct irritation of the skin and gastrointestinal tract.
- Obstruction of bile flow and impaired bilirubin metabolism due to liver inflammation. (correct)
- Increased production of bile acids leading to systemic vasodilation.
A nurse is caring for a patient with hepatitis A. What is the MOST important instruction to provide to the patient and their family to prevent the spread of the infection?
A nurse is caring for a patient with hepatitis A. What is the MOST important instruction to provide to the patient and their family to prevent the spread of the infection?
- Administering prophylactic antibiotics to all household contacts to prevent secondary infections.
- Practicing diligent hand hygiene and avoiding sharing utensils or personal items. (correct)
- Ensuring the patient receives regular blood transfusions to combat anemia.
- Strictly adhering to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet to aid liver regeneration.
A patient with hepatitis C is undergoing treatment. Which laboratory finding would indicate a potential complication related to impaired liver function?
A patient with hepatitis C is undergoing treatment. Which laboratory finding would indicate a potential complication related to impaired liver function?
- Prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and elevated ammonia levels. (correct)
- Decreased prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR).
- Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
- Increased serum albumin and decreased ammonia levels.
A patient with chronic hepatitis B is prescribed antiviral medications. What is the PRIMARY goal of this treatment?
A patient with chronic hepatitis B is prescribed antiviral medications. What is the PRIMARY goal of this treatment?
A patient with hepatitis is experiencing ascites. Which dietary modification is MOST appropriate for managing this condition?
A patient with hepatitis is experiencing ascites. Which dietary modification is MOST appropriate for managing this condition?
Which medication, commonly available over-the-counter, poses the GREATEST risk of hepatotoxicity if taken in excess or combined with alcohol?
Which medication, commonly available over-the-counter, poses the GREATEST risk of hepatotoxicity if taken in excess or combined with alcohol?
A nurse is teaching a patient about preventing the transmission of hepatitis B and C. Which of the following instructions is MOST appropriate?
A nurse is teaching a patient about preventing the transmission of hepatitis B and C. Which of the following instructions is MOST appropriate?
A patient with hepatitis reports right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain. What is the MOST likely cause of this pain?
A patient with hepatitis reports right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain. What is the MOST likely cause of this pain?
Flashcards
Hepatitis
Hepatitis
Widespread liver cell inflammation, commonly caused by viruses, alcohol, or certain medications.
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Hepatotoxic Drugs
Medications or substances that can cause liver damage.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A
Transmitted via the fecal-oral route, often due to poor hygiene or contaminated food.
Hepatitis B & C
Hepatitis B & C
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Jaundice
Jaundice
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Hepatomegaly
Hepatomegaly
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Elevated Liver Function Tests
Elevated Liver Function Tests
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Ascites
Ascites
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Study Notes
- Hepatitis refers to the widespread inflammation of liver cells
- Hepatitis can be caused by alcohol, viruses, or medication
Hepatotoxic Drugs
- Can cause inflammation of liver cells
- Acetaminophen
- Statins
- Isoniazid for TB
- NSAIDs
Viral Hepatitis
- The most common type of hepatitis
Hepatitis A
- Via the fecal-oral route due to poor hygiene
- Examples includes homeless shelters, daycares, and poor food handling
Hepatitis B and C
- Transmitted through blood
- Can lead to chronic hepatitis
- From sharing needles, hemodialysis, or blood transfusions
- Through sexual contact without barrier contraception
- Perinatal transmission from mother to child during birth by sharing of blood
- Hepatitis A and C can be treated, but reinfection can occur after exposure
Signs and Symptoms
- Can be systemic or localized to the liver
- Fever
- Anorexia
- Nausea
- Malaise
- Inflamed liver
- Leads to right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain when palpated
- Liver dysfunction
- Bile and bilirubin issues
- Jaundice
- Pruritus (itchiness)
- Pale stool
- Hepatomegaly (enlargement of liver) because of scarring and fibrosis
Diagnosis
- Blood tests for antigens
- Elevated liver function tests
- Includes AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase)
Nursing Interventions
- Antiviral drugs
- Standard precautions
- Proper and safe handling of needles
- Monitoring of liver function tests
Complications
- Changes in neurological status
- Bleeding and coagulation problems
- Fluid retention due to albumin issues
- Albumin is important for retaining fluid inside blood vessels
- Albumin problems can lead to fluid leaking out of blood vessels, causing ascites
- Adequate fluid intake (2 to 3 L/day) and rest
Chronic Infection Treatment
- Can be managed at home, unless severe liver failure occurs
- Avoid high-fat foods
- Eat small, frequent meals
Management of Hepatitis A
- Refrain from sharing utensils or drinking glasses
- Practice proper hand hygiene
- Get Hepatitis A vaccination
Management of Hepatitis B and C:
- Refrain from sharing needles
- Use condoms
- Get Hepatitis B vaccination
Diet Modification
- High carbohydrate diet
- High calories
- Low protein and fat
- Eat small, frequent meals
Note
- Most signs and symptoms, interventions, and nursing management strategies are the same for cirrhosis and hepatitis
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