Ascities Flashcards

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1
Q

what is ascities

A

accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity

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2
Q

usually _______ happens causing portal hypertension and ascitites

A

cirrhosis

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3
Q

Etiology of ascities

A
  • cirrhosis & portal HTN
  • right sided heart failure (increase in hydrostatic pressure in bloodvessels then fluid is pushed out)
  • severe changes in hydrostatic pressure & osmotic pressure (BV engorged, fluid moves out of blood, into interstital space then to body cavity, area of least resistance)
  • water/Na+ retention (at level of the kidneys)
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4
Q

mnfts of ascities

A
  • dyspnea(pressure from body cavity, lungs not able to fill properly)
  • abdominal distention (fluid accumulating in body cavity) the abdominal distention depends on posture and how fluid presents as distention if on back falls to side
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5
Q

treatment of ascities

A
  • small volume: treat with diuretics and decrease salt intake
  • fluids & electrolytes (loss of fluid)
  • large volume greater than 5L: paracentisis & volume expander (eg. albumin)
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6
Q

why is a volume expander such as albumin used after fluid is drained through paracentisis

A

albumin provides osmotic pressure- pull pressure, doesn’t bring any fluid back but counters the hydrostatic pressure causing fluid to stay in blood vessels.

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