Cirrhosis Flashcards
Early manifestations of Cirrhosis (6)
Insidious
Weight loss
Weakness
GI disturbances
Anorexia, N/V, flatulence, change in bowel habits
Hepatomegaly
RUQ pain/palpable liver
Late manifestations of cirrhosis
Jaundice
decreased serum albumin & PT (2 proteins manufactured by liver)
Portal hypertension
Ascites
Splenomegaly
Spider angiomas & caput
medusae
Esophageal & anorectal varices
Hepatic encephalopathy
Asterixis (liver flap)
Spider angioma is due to what
engorged microvasculature
Hepatic encephlopathy is primarly caused by what
excessive serum ammonia (which is normally converted to urea) crossing the blood brain barrier
What is hepatic encephalopathy
Reversible neuropsychiatric manifestation of impaired liver function
Asterixis (Liver flap) indicates what
elevated ammonia levels
Nursing Care in patients with Cirrhosis
Measures to promote rest
Measures to manage ascites/excess fluid volume: Assess/measure abdominal girth* Sodium restriction/possibly fluid restriction Diuretics (Spironolactone & loops) Fluid removal: Paracentesis* Portosystemic shunt (TIPS)* IV albumin Patient & family teaching
How does a nurse measure abdominal girth
Bring tape around patient and take measurement at level of umbilicus.
Before removing tape, mark the abdomen along the sides of the tape (sides & midline)
What is the goal of paracentesis
relieve respiratory distress
Nursing care before paracentesis performed
Informed consent
Baseline V.S.
Void beforehand
Position supine or high-fowler’s (HCP preference)
What is a Transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (TIPS)
Non-surgical procedure used to control long-term ascites & reduce variceal bleeding
Measures taken to enhance nutrition in cirrhosis
High calorie w/ high CHO & moderate/low fat
Protein restriction only w/ severe encephalopathy
Low sodium if FVE/ascites
Bleed precautions to manage with varices (10)
Monitor platelets, PT, PTT
Assess oral cavity
Monitor for ecchymosis, purpura & petechiae
Protect from falls
No ASA, alcohol, spicy foods, bulky foods; no injections
Avoid vigorous nose-blowing, straining w/ BM’s
Stool softeners
Soft toothbrush; avoid rectal temps/enemas
Apply pressure to any bleeding x 5 mins
Patient teaching r/t above
What procedure can be performed with an active varices bleed
Endoscopic Sclerotherapy & Variceal Banding
What is the process with Endoscopic Sclerotherapy & Variceal Banding
Varices injected with a sclerosing agent via a catheter.
Varices may also be managed by endoscopic variceal ligation (banding):
Involves application of a small “O” bands around the base of the varices to decrease the blood supply to the varices.
Patient unaware of bands; cause no discomfort