Cirrhosis Flashcards

1
Q

Early manifestations of Cirrhosis (6)

A

Insidious

Weight loss

Weakness

GI disturbances
Anorexia, N/V, flatulence, change in bowel habits

Hepatomegaly

RUQ pain/palpable liver

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2
Q

Late manifestations of cirrhosis

A

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)

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3
Q

Spider angioma is due to what

A

engorged microvasculature

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4
Q

Hepatic encephlopathy is primarly caused by what

A

excessive serum ammonia (which is normally converted to urea) crossing the blood brain barrier

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5
Q

What is hepatic encephalopathy

A

Reversible neuropsychiatric manifestation of impaired liver function

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6
Q

Asterixis (Liver flap) indicates what

A

elevated ammonia levels

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7
Q

Nursing Care in patients with Cirrhosis

A

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
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8
Q

How does a nurse measure abdominal girth

A

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)

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9
Q

What is the goal of paracentesis

A

relieve respiratory distress

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10
Q

Nursing care before paracentesis performed

A

Informed consent

Baseline V.S.

Void beforehand

Position supine or high-fowler’s (HCP preference)

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11
Q

What is a Transjugular intrahepatic portal-systemic shunt (TIPS)

A

Non-surgical procedure used to control long-term ascites & reduce variceal bleeding

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12
Q

Measures taken to enhance nutrition in cirrhosis

A

High calorie w/ high CHO & moderate/low fat

Protein restriction only w/ severe encephalopathy

Low sodium if FVE/ascites

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13
Q

Bleed precautions to manage with varices (10)

A

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

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14
Q

What procedure can be performed with an active varices bleed

A

Endoscopic Sclerotherapy & Variceal Banding

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15
Q

What is the process with Endoscopic Sclerotherapy & Variceal Banding

A

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

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16
Q

what is a balloon tamponade

A

used for active bleed in esophageal varices emergency by placing a tube with an attached balloon through the nasal passage and inflating the balloon against the varices placing pressure on the bleeding.

17
Q

Goal in managing hepatic encephalopathy

A

Reduce ammonia formation & maintain safe environment (ammonia is CNS depressant)

18
Q

End stage Hepatic encephalopathy nursing care

A

Restrict protein intake (20-40 g/daily); otherwise ↑ calorie (particularly carbohydrates)

Control GI bleeding
(another source of protein)

Avoid constipation 
(constipation ↑’s ammonia in feces)

Medications: Lactulose (“titrate to 2-4 stools/day”) & Neomycin

Assess EMV (Glasgow Coma Scale) regularly

Safety precautions

Patient & family teaching