Acute Hepatic Failure Flashcards
what is fulminant hepatic failure?
comes on QUICKLY
what is subfulminant hepatic failure?
comes on slower
what are common causes for acute hepatic failure?
- alcohol
- drugs
- autoimmune disorder
- infections
what are clinical manifestations of acute hepatic failure?
sleepy, poor appetite, popping problems, jaundice, pain in RUQ, ascites, and coaguation abnormalities
what will an acute hepatic liver patient’s poop look like?
- constipation
2. clay colored or chalky stools due to bile not being excreted in the stool
what labs should be assessed with a patient who has acute hepatic failure?
- elevated bilirubin
- elevated prothrombin time
- elevated AST and ALT
- elevated ammonia levels
- low albumin levels
what is the normal range for total bilirubin?
0-1 is normal so greater than 1 is too elevated
what are normal ranges for prothrombin times?
10.2-13 is the normal but it is elevated due to lack of vitamin K
why are beta blockers given to a patient with acute hepatic failure?
beta blockers can be given to help treat portal hypertension in these patients
what can lactulose cause?
lactuose can cause diarrhea
what medications should the acute hepatic failure patient avoid?
avoid sedatives and nephrotoxic medications
what type of nutrition plan should an acute hepatic failure patient follow?
high carb, high calorie, high protein, and low-moderate fat diet
what vitamins should the acute hepatic failure patient be taking?
take b-vitamins such as thiamine and folate
what can portal hypertension lead too?
portal hpertension can lead to esophageal varices –>hemorrhage–> shock
what are complications of acute hepatic failure?
hepatic encephalopathy, portal hyperternsion, hypoglycemia, sepsis, and cirrhosis
