Biliary, Exocrine & Hepatic Disorders (Day 2) Flashcards

1
Q

Hepatitis: Inflammation of the Liver

A

Causes:
Viral (most common)
Alcohol
Medications
Chemicals
Autoimmune diseases
Metabolic problems

Widespread inflammation
Acute infection:
Lysis/necrosis of infected hepatocytes
Proliferation & enlargement of Kupffer cells

Cholestasis: Inflammation of peri-portal areas interrupt bile flow

Liver cells can regenerate
Systemic Side-effects
Rash
Angioedema
Arthritis
Fever, Malaise

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2
Q

Hepatitis A Virus (HAV)

A

RNA virus
Transmission: Fecal-oral route; Contaminated food or drinking water
Increased risk: Illicit drug users, MSM, travel to developing countries
Mild to acute liver failure; Not chronic
Incidence decreased with vaccination
Acute onset; Mild, flu-like symptoms
Frequently occurs in small outbreaks
Prevention: Hepatitis A Vaccine & Handwashing

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3
Q

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

A

DNA virus
Transmission: Perinatal, percutaneous, small cuts on mucosal surface, exposure to infectious blood, blood products, or other body fluids
Increased risk: MSM, contact with chronically infected, hemodialysis health care & public safety workers, IV drug users, blood product transfusion
Acute or chronic; 30% asymptomatic
Incidence decreased with vaccination
Prevention: HBV Vaccine (Recommended for all, routine for children)
3 IM Deltoid injections
0, 1 & 6 months

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4
Q

Hepatitis C (HCV)

A

RNA virus
Transmission: Percutaneous
Increased risk; IV drug use, high-risk sexual behavior, occupational exposure, perinatal exposure, blood transfusions before 1992
Acute HCV 80% asymptomatic
Highly persistent
Can lead to chronic liver damage

Prevention: Personal protection similar to HBV
No vaccine

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5
Q

Health Promotion
Hep A

A

Hepatitis A
Personal & environmental hygiene
HAV Vaccine
1-year of age
Adults at risk
Post-exposure prophylaxis:
HAV vaccine
Immune globulin (IG)
Special precautions for health care personnel

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6
Q

Health Promotion
Hep B

A

Hepatitis B
General measures
Vaccines
Recombivax HB
Engerix-B
3 IM injections
All children
At-risk adults
Post-exposure prophylaxis:
Vaccine
Hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG)

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7
Q

Health Promotion
Hep C

A

Hepatitis C
No vaccine
General measures
Screen those born between 1945 -1965
No post-exposure prophylaxis
Baseline & follow-up testing

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8
Q

Pathophysiology
Hep

A

Acute infection
Many hepatocytes destroyed
Liver cells can regenerate normally after infection
Chronic infection
Can cause fibrosis
Progress to cirrhosis
Antigen-antibody complexes activate complement system
Many asymptomatic; Symptoms intermittent or ongoing
Anorexia
Malaise, fatigue, lethargy
Myalgia, arthralgia
Right upper quadrant tenderness

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9
Q

Pre-icteric Phase (1 - 21 days)Period of Maximal Infectivity for HAV

A

Acute phase
Maximal infectivity
Symptoms during incubation
Nausea, vomiting
RUQ tenderness
Reduced sense of smell
May find food repugnant
Distaste for cigarettes

Anorexia
Constipation
Diarrhea
Malaise
Headache
Low-grade fever
Arthralgia
Skin rashes

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10
Q

Icteric Phase (Jaundice & Pruritis)1 – 6 months

A

Not all patients will have jaundice (Anicteric Hepatitis)
Acute phase
Hepatomegaly
Lymphadenopathy
Splenomegaly
With jaundice, patient can also have
Dark urine
Light or clay-colored stools
Pruritus

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11
Q

Jaundice

A

Symptom
Alteration of bilirubin metabolism
Flow of bile into hepatic-biliary systems
Bilirubin approximately 3x normal
Hemolytic
Hepatocellular
Obstructive

Yellow sclera
Yellow-orange skin
Clay-colored feces
Tea-colored urine
Pruritis
Fatigue
Anorexia

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12
Q

Post-Icteric (Convalescence) Phase

A

Begins as jaundice disappears
Lasts weeks to months (Average 2 – 4 months)
Major problems
Malaise
Easy fatigability
Hepatomegaly persists
Splenomegaly subsides

Most patients recover completely with no complications
Most cases of acute HAV resolve
Some HBV & most HCV result in chronic hepatitis

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13
Q

Complications
Hep

A

Acute Liver Failure
Encephalopathy d/t livers inability to remove toxins – especially Ammonia
Potentially life-threatening spectrum of neurologic, psychiatric, & motor disturbances
GI bleeding
Fever with leukocytosis
Renal manifestations
Liver transplant usually the cure
Portal Hypertension
Liver Cancer

Chronic Hepatitis
Some HBV, most HCV
Chronic HBV more likely in infants & those < 5 YO
< 50% immunocompromised adults with HBV progress to chronic infection

Cirrhosis
Male sex
Alcohol use
Fatty liver disease
Excess iron in liver

Ascites; Accumulation of fluid in peritoneum d/t reduced protein in blood (reduces plasma oncotic pressure)

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14
Q

Hepatitis: Diagnostic Studies

A

Specific antigen / antibody for each type of hepatitis
Liver function tests
Viral genotype testing
Physical assessment findings
Liver biopsy
FibroScan
FibroSure (FibroTest)

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15
Q

Hepatitis: Collaborative Care

A

Overall goals:
Relief of discomfort
Return to normal activities
Return of normal liver function without complications

Expected outcomes:
Adequate nutritional intake
Increased activity tolerance
Able to “Teach back”
Follow-up care
Methods of transmission & prevention

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16
Q

HAV: Collaborative Care

A

No specific treatment
Most managed at home
Symptom management
Promethazine (Phenergan)
Ondansetron (Zofran)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Rest
Assess degree of jaundice
Follow-up for at least 1-year

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17
Q

HBV & HCV: Collaborative Care

A

Medications for HBV:
LT treatment with Nucleoside / Nucleotide analogs; Inhibit DNA replication & decrease viral load
Lamivudine (Epivir)
Adefovir (Hepsera)
Used in higher doses to treat HIV

Interferon; Anti-viral, anti-proliferative, immune-modulating
SQ injection
Side effects make adherence challenging
Use limited d/t better tolerated, more effective treatments

Medications for HCV:

Ledipasvir 90 mg / Sofosbuvir 400 mg (Harvoni)
1 tablet, once / day

Clinical studies of HARVONI demonstrated cure in 96 – 99% adults with HCV
Genotype1 & no prior treatment
12-weeks of therapy

Provider determines length of treatment

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18
Q

Nutritional Therapy
Hep

A

No special diet needed; Emphasis on well-balanced diet patient can tolerate
Adequate calories (2500 – 3000 / day) important during acute phase
Frequent small meals
Anorexia worse during day; Concentrate efforts to take in calories at breakfast
Fatty foods may need to be reduced to decrease nausea

Vitamins B-complex & K

IV glucose or enteral nutrition

Protein 75 – 100 g/day; Decreased with encephalopathy to prevent ammonia build-up

Restrict sodium / fluids with edema

Thiazide diuretics; Increase food sources with K+

Avoid alcohol

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19
Q

Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)

A

10% Americans; More common in women
Multi-parous (gave live birth) & > 40-years old
Native American (Navajo & Pima)
Familial tendency
Obesity
Other risk factors:
Estrogen therapy
Sedentary lifestyle

20
Q

Cholelithiasis: Clinical Manifestations

A

Pain: Upper midline, radiating to:
Back
Right shoulder
Sub-sternal

Cholecystitis: Block cystic duct

Cholangitis: Block common duct

Inflammation & Pancreatitis
Jaundice = obstruction

Differential Dx:
Pain of CAD / Angina

21
Q

Cholecystitis: Etiology & Pathophysiology

A

Most often associated with obstruction from stones or sludge

Inflammation confined to mucous lining or entire wall

Gallbladder is edematous & hyperemic

May be distended with bile or pus

Cystic duct may become occluded

Scarring & fibrosis after attack

Acalculous Cholecystitis:
Older adults & critically ill

Prolonged immobility, fasting, prolonged parenteral nutrition, diabetes

Biliary stasis

Adhesions, cancer, anesthesia, opioids

22
Q

Cholelithiasis/Cholecystitis: Clinical Manifestations

A

Severe to none at all
Pain increased when stones move or obstruct
Steady, excruciating
Tachycardia, diaphoresis
RUQ; Referred to right shoulder, scapula
3 - 6 hours after high-fat meal or when supine

With total obstruction:
Dark amber urine
Clay-colored stools, Steatorrhea
Pruritis
Intolerance to fatty foods
Bleeding tendencies

In addition to pain
Indigestion
Fever, chills
Jaundice
Nausea/vomiting
Restlessness

Inflammation
Leukocytosis
Fever

Physical examination findings
RUQ or epigastrium tenderness
Abdominal rigidity

23
Q

Diagnostic Studies
Cholelithiasis/Cholecystitis

A

Increased WBC
Increased serum bilirubin
Increased urinary bilirubin
Increased liver enzymes
Increased serum amylase
Ultrasound
ERCP
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography

Complications of Cholecystitis
Gangrenous cholecystitis
Subphrenic abscess
Pancreatitis
Cholangitis
Biliary cirrhosis
Fistulas
Gallbladder rupture leads to peritonitis
Choledocholithiasis

24
Q

Collaborative Care
Cholelithiasis/Cholecystitis

A

Analgesics
Anti-cholingergics (Atropine; Anti-spasmotic)
Fat soluble vitamins
Bile salts
H2 Blockers or PPI’s
Anti-emetics
Anti-biotics
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Bile salt binder
Treats pruritis, loose stools

NPO – Advance as tolerated

IV fluids

NG to LIS

ERCP

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

25
Cholecystectomy
Excision of gall bladder from posterior liver wall Ligation of cystic duct, vein & artery T-tube ensures adequate bile drainage during duct healing (with Open procedure) Laparoscopic Contra-indicated with stones in common bile duct
26
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Monitor for complications & provide analgesia Referred pain to shoulder pain from CO2 Sims’ position Deep breathing, ambulation Clear liquids 1st day; Light meals for a few days Discharged same day Remove bandages POD#1 and can shower Report signs of infection Gradually resume activities; Return to work in 1 week Patient teaching Teach what to report & Follow-up care May need low-fat diet for several weeks Weight reduction if needed Fat-soluble vitamin supplements
27
Open-incision Cholecystectomy
Maintain adequate ventilation, prevent pulmonary complications General postoperative nursing care Maintain drainage tubes (T-tube, Penrose, or J-P) Replace lost fluids and electrolytes CL, the ADAT once bowel sounds have returned Patient Teaching: No heavy lifting for 4 - 6 weeks Usual activities when feeling ready May need low-fat diet for 4 - 6 weeks Weight reduction if needed Fat-soluble vitamin supplements What to report & Follow-up care
28
T-Tube
Inserted into Common Bile Duct during Open Cholecystectomy; Drains bile while duct heals & small intestine adjusts
29
ERCP with Sphincterotomy
Endoscope passed to duodenum then retrograde up into duct Visualization & dilation Placement of stents Open sphincter of Oddi, if needed Stones removed with basket or allowed to pass in stool Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) If stones cannot be removed via endoscope High-energy shock waves disintegrate gallstones Takes 1 - 2 hours Used in conjunction with bile acids
30
Medications for Gallstones
Oral dissolution therapy Ursodeozycholic acid (Ursodiol or Actigal) 300 mg tablets; 600 mg / day; 300 mg two times/day Therapy takes average of 1-3 months; up to 12 months (https://www.rxlist.com/actigall-drug.htm#description) Bile Acid Sequestrants; Given for pruritus or loose stools Colestipol (Colestid): 2000 mg tablets PO 1 – 2 times/day Cholestyramine (Questran) 4 to 8 grams 1 – 2 times/day (Max 24-grams/day) Powder, mixed with milk or juice Monitor N/V, diarrhea or constipation, skin reactions Check drug-to-drug interactions
31
Trans-hepatic Biliary Catheter
Preoperative or palliative When endoscopic drainage fails Inserted percutaneously and attached to drainage bag Replace fluids lost with electrolyte-rich drinks Skin care important
32
Cirrhosis
End-stage of liver disease; Extensive degeneration & destruction of liver cells Replacement of liver tissue by fibrous & regenerative nodules Chronic, progressive; Usually happens after decades of chronic liver disease Alcoholic (Laennec’s) Chronic HCV Post-necrotic Macro-nodular Toxin-induced Biliary and/or Cardiac Portal Vein Hypertension Bleeding varices Ascites Increased ammonia (encephalopathy) Incomplete clearing of protein waste Jaundice Skin Lesions; Increase in circulating estrogen d/t inability of liver to metabolize steroid hormones Spider angiomas (telangiectasia or spider nevi) Palmar erythema
33
Cirrhosis: Other Complications
Peripheral neuropathy Common in alcoholic cirrhosis Dietary deficiencies of thiamine, folic acid, & cobalamin Sensory & motor symptoms Hepato-renal syndrome Renal failure with azotemia, oliguria, and intractable ascites No structural abnormality of kidneys Portal hypertension leads to vasodilation which leads to renal vasoconstriction Treat with liver transplantation
34
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy (Neurotoxic effects of ammonia); Liver unable to convert increased ammonia to urea, Ammonia crosses blood-brain barrier Changes in neurologic and mental responsiveness Impaired consciousness Inappropriate behavior Sleep disturbances, trouble concentrating, coma Asterixis Flapping tremors; Most common in arms & hands Impairment in writing; Difficulty in moving pen left to right Fetor hepaticus Musty, sweet odor of patient’s breath
35
Diagnostic Tests for Cirrhosis
Liver enzyme tests (Alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT, GGT) Total protein, albumin levels Serum bilirubin, globulin levels Cholesterol levels Prothrombin time Ultrasound elastography (Fibroscan) Liver biopsy
36
Cirrhosis: General Nursing Management
Assess response to altered body image Supportive listening Rest Prevent complications Modify schedule Minimize or avoid: ASA Acetaminophen NSAIDs Monitor color of urine & stools Daily weights, accurate I & O Extremities measurement Abdominal girth Monitor for fluid & electrolyte imbalances Hypokalemia Water excess (hyponatremia) Observe for bleeding tendencies
37
Cirrhosis: Nutritional Therapy
Diet for patient without complications High Carb / Calorie (3000 cal/day) Moderate to low fat Protein restriction rarely needed Oral hygiene Between-meal snacks Offer preferred foods Explanation of dietary restrictions Seasonings to make food more palatable Administration of B-complex vitamins Avoidance of alcohol Protein supplements for protein-calorie malnutrition Low-sodium diet for patient with ascites & edema Dietitian referral / consult
38
Nursing Interventions for Jaundice / Pruritus
Assess for jaundice Measures to relieve pruritus Cholestyramine or hydroxyzine Baking soda or Alpha Keri baths Lotions, soft or old linen Antihistamines Temperature control Short, clean nails; Scratch with knuckles rather than nails Control of temperature
39
Management of Esophageal & Gastric Varices
Prevent bleeding/hemorrhage Avoid alcohol, aspirin, & NSAIDs Screen for with endoscopy Nonselective β-blocker If bleeding occurs, stabilize patient, manage airway, start IV therapy & blood products Drug therapy Octreotide Vasopressin Support for acute bleed FFP, PRBCs Vitamin K PPI’s Lactulose (Cephulac) & Rifaximin (Xifaxan) Antibiotics Sclerotherapy Balloon tamponade; Mechanical compression (Scissors at bedside) Sengstaken-Blakemore tube Minnesota tube Linton-Nachlas tube LT Management Nonselective Beta-blockers Repeated band ligation
40
Portosystemic Shunts
Shunting Procedures Done more after second major bleeding episode Nonsurgical: Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic shunt (TIPS) Surgical: Portacaval or Distal Splenorenal shunt
41
Interventions for Ascites
Relief of dyspnea Semi- or high Fowler’s position Skin care Special mattress Turning schedule, at least every 2 hours ROM exercises Coughing/deep breathing exercises Elevate lower extremities (and scrotum PRN) Sodium restriction Diuretics, fluid removal Albumin Tolvaptan (Samsca) Paracentesis Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) Peritoneovenous shunt Rarely used High rate of complications
42
Assisting with Paracentesis
Have patient void immediately before High Fowler’s position or sitting on side of bed Monitor for hypovolemia & electrolyte imbalances Monitor BP & heart rate Monitor dressing for bleeding/leakage
43
Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy
Treatment of precipitating cause Control factors known to precipitate encephalopathy Lower dietary protein intake Control GI bleeding & remove blood from GI tract Maintain safe environment; Assess: LOC & neuro status every 2-hours Sensory & motor abnormalities; Prevent falls & injuries Fluid & electrolyte imbalances; Acid-base imbalances Response to treatment measures Reduce ammonia formation Lactulose (Cephulac), traps ammonia in gut, expelled with stool Rifaximin (Xifaxan) antibiotic Prevent / minimize constipation Encourage fluids
44
Patient Self-Management / Ambulatory Care
Supportive measures: Rest, Maintain adequate nutrition; Proper diet Reduce or eliminate risk factors Abstinence from alcohol and/or treat alcoholism Bariatric surgery for morbidly obese Avoiding potentially hepatotoxic OTC drugs Community support programs Patient education re: symptoms of complications & when to seek medical attention Written instructions with adequate explanations for patient/family Referral to community or home health nurse
45
Hepatic Cancer
Primary (Benign or Malignant): Can originate from hepatocytes, connective tissue, blood vessels, bile ducts Benign: 90% are women taking BCP’s Metastatic: GI tract (Colon), breasts, lungs Resection only method of cure & only if confined to one lobe Poor prognosis; 6 - 12 months Most common d/t hepatic encephalopathy or blood loss from GI bleeding