CIRRHOSIS

Question 1

what is cirrhosis?

Answer 1

● A chronic disease of the liver marked by degeneration of cells, inflammation, and fibrous thickening
of tissue.
● Liver cells destroyed and replaced with scar tissue
● This impairs blood flow to the liver causing portal hypertension

Question 2

causes of cirrhosis

Answer 2

alcoholism
hepatits

Question 3

assessment for cirrhosis

Answer 3

● Palpable, firm liver
● Abdominal pain
● Dyspepsia
● Decreased serum albumin
● Ascites
● Splenomegaly
● Increased liver enzymes
○ ALT
○ AST

Question 4

One of the major functions of the liver is the production of?

Answer 4

clotting factors

Question 5

liver damage = ?

Answer 5

bleeding risk
#anemia

Question 6

treatment for cirrhosis

Answer 6

● Antacids
● Vitamins
● Diuretics
● Paracentesis
● Low protein, low sodium diet
● Stricts I&Os
● Daily weights
● Bleeding precautions
● Skin care
● Be very careful with drug doses.

Question 7

Be very careful with drug doses. The liver cannot metabolize as well; most doses need
to be decreased. Especially important with :

Answer 7

○ Narcotics
○ Acetaminophen (as a rule, avoid in liver clients)