Hepatitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment PDF

Hepatitis - widespread inflammation of the liver cell caused by alcohol, virus, medication Hepatotoxic drug: Acetaminophen Statins Isoniazid for TB NSAIDs Viral Hepatitis - most common hepatitis HEPATITIS A - fecal-oral route due to poor hygiene (e.g. homeless shelters, daycares...

Hepatitis - widespread inflammation of the liver cell caused by alcohol, virus, medication Hepatotoxic drug: Acetaminophen Statins Isoniazid for TB NSAIDs Viral Hepatitis - most common hepatitis HEPATITIS A - fecal-oral route due to poor hygiene (e.g. homeless shelters, daycares), poor food handling Blood Borne: HEPATITIS B and C (can lead to chronic hepatitis) derived from: Sharing needle , hemodialysis, blood transfusion. Sexual Contact: Lack of barrier contraception Perinatal Transmission: Mother and child due to sharing of blood Hepatitis A and C can be treated but can be reinfected once exposure happens. Signs and Symptoms: Can be systemic or by the liver: Fever Anorexia Nausea Malaise Inflammed liver leading to RUQ pain when palpated Dysfunction of liver (bile and bilirubin problem) Jaundice Pruritus - itchiness Pale stool Hepatomegaly (enlargement of liver) due to scarring and fibrosis Diagnosis: Blood testing for antigens Elevated liver function test (AST, ALT) Nursing intervention Antiviral drugs Standard precaution Proper and safe handling of needle. Monitoring of liver function test Complications Changes in neurological status Bleeding and problem with coagulation Fluid retention (albumin problem) Albumin is important to retain fluid inside the blood vessel. Albumin problem leads to fluid leaking out from the blood vessel causing ascites. Adequate amount of fluids (2 to 3 L/day) and rest Chronic infection may be treated at home unless severe liver failure occurs. Avoid high fat foods Eat small and frequent meals For Hepa A: Refrain from sharing utensils or drinking glasses Proper hand hygiene Hepa A vaccination Hepa B and C Refrain from sharing needles Condom use Receive Hepa B vaccination Diet modification: High Carbohydrate diet High Calories Low Protein and fat Eat small, frequent meals Note: Majority of the signs and symptoms, intervention and nursing management of cirrhosis are the same with hepatitis.