Differential Diagnosis Unit 8 Hepatic and Biliary System Flashcards
What is the First Manifestation of Liver Disease?
Jaundice
(Function deficit: Clearing bilirubin)
Hepatic and Biliary S/S
What are 3 conditions that affect both the nail are caused by a function deficit of Clearing the blood estrogen excess and Hypoestrogenism?
- Palmar Erythema: This is caused by liver impairment, presents as a warm redness of the skin over the palms and soles of the feet in the caucasian population
- Nails of Terry: Opaque white nails of terry in patients with Cirrhosis. Its characterized by an opaque nail plate with a narrow line of pink at the distal end instead of the more normal pink nail plate in the caucasian
- Spider Angoima: Permanently enlarged and dilated capillaries visible on the surface of the skin caused by vascular dilation
Where would be the Referred Pain with Liver Disease (Abscess, Cirrhosis, Tumors, Hepatits)?
- Thoracic Spine (T7-T10; Midline to the right)
- Right Upper Trap and Shoulder
Where would be the Referred Pain with Gallbladder issues?
- Right Upper trap and shoulders
- Right Interscapular area (T4 or T5-T8)
- Right Subscap area
What is hepatic osteodystrophy?
Abnormal development of bones due to cholestasis and hepatic disease
Cholestasis refers to the suppression of bile flow.
What condition is osteoporosis associated with?
Liver disease
Osteoporosis can result from chronic liver conditions.
What is Myopathy?
Myopathy = Rhabdomyolysis, is a potentially fatal condition characterized by the release of myoglobin and other muscle tissue contents into the bloodstream due to muscle disintegration
Rhabdomyolysis can lead to kidney damage if not treated.
What are the causes of myopathy?
- Liver impairment from alcohol abuse
- Alcohol poisoning
- Use of statins
- Acute trauma
- Severe burns
- Overexertion
Each cause can lead to muscle tissue damage and subsequent myopathy.
List symptoms of myopathy.
- Muscle aches
- Cramps
- Soreness
- Weakness
These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the underlying cause.
What condition is characterized by the liver’s inability to detoxify ammonia?
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Hepatic Encephalopathy occurs when ammonia is transported to the brain, affecting CNS metabolism.
What neurotransmitter does ammonia react with in the brain?
Glutamate
Ammonia reacts with glutamate, producing glutamine and reducing glutamate concentration.
Name a neurological symptom of hepatic encephalopathy.
Confusion
Confusion is one of the primary neurological symptoms associated with hepatic encephalopathy.
What is a common sleep-related symptom of hepatic encephalopathy?
Sleep disturbances
Sleep disturbances can occur due to altered CNS function.
What motor disturbance resembles body or extremity flapping?
Asterixis
Asterixis is a characteristic symptom of hepatic encephalopathy.
Fill in the blank: Hepatic encephalopathy may involve _______ reflexes.
Hyperactive
Hyperactive reflexes are indicative of CNS dysfunction in hepatic encephalopathy.
What is a possible physical manifestation of hepatic encephalopathy affecting the upper limbs?
Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome
This syndrome can occur due to altered neurological function.
What is a possible physical manifestation of hepatic encephalopathy affecting the lower limbs?
Bilateral tarsal tunnel
Similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel can also be affected.
How does ammonia affect glutamate concentration in the brain?
It reduces glutamate concentration
This reduction alters CNS metabolism and function.
What should be asked about when a client presents with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome?
Presence of similar symptoms in the feet.
Which personal history should be inquired about in clients with Bilateral Carpal Tunnel syndrome?
History of liver or hepatic disease.
Name some examples of liver diseases to ask about if the patient is presenting with Bilateral Carple Tunnel Syndrome.
- Cirrhosis
- Cancer
- Hepatitis
What types of drug history should be assessed for clients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome?
History of hepatotoxic drugs.
What lifestyle factor should be assessed in clients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome?
History of alcoholism.
What current or previous medication use should be assessed with client with bilateral carple tunnel syndrome?
Use of statins.
For bilateral carple tunnel syndrome
List some examples of cholesterol-lowering drugs.
These are Statins
- Crestor
- Lipitor
- Mevacor
- Zocor
For Clients with Bilateral Carple Tunnel Syndrome
Name some signs of liver disease to test for.
- Skin color changes
- Spider angiomas
- Palmar erythema (Liver Palms)
- Change in nail beds (Clubbing, Nails of Terry)
- Asterixis (Liver Flap)
What are S/S of Gastrointestinal issues?
- Sense of fullness of the abdomen
- Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
What are S/S of Hepatic issues?
- Dark urine and light-colored or clay-colored stools
- Ascites
- Edema and oliguria
- RUQ pain
What is Ascites?
Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
Ascites is often associated with liver disease and can lead to discomfort and other complications.
What does portal hypertension refer to?
Elevated pressure in the portal vein
This condition occurs when portal blood encounters increased resistance to flow in a fibrotic liver.
What happens to blood flow in portal hypertension?
Blood backs up into esophageal, stomach, and splenic structures
This occurs as blood bypasses the liver through collateral vessels.
What are 3 different types of Liver Disease?
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Hepatic Encephalopathy
What is hepatitis?
What can cause this?
An acute or chronic inflammation of the liver
It can be caused by a virus, a chemical, a drug reaction, or alcohol abuse.
How are hepatitis viruses A and E primarily transmitted?
By the fecal-oral route
This mode of transmission is common in areas with poor sanitation.
What are the primary transmission routes for hepatitis viruses B, C, and D?
Primarily bloodborne pathogens
These viruses can be transmitted through contact with infected blood and other bodily fluids.
With Hepatitis, which one does not have medication available. However for treatment, its best addressed through supportive treatment?
Hepatitis A
With Hepatitis, which one does have medication available. However it is not curative?
Hepatitis B
With Hepatitis, which one does have medication available and its curative?
Hepatitis C
What is the Incubation Period for Hepatitis A, B and C?
Which has the highest mortality rate?
A- 15-50 days (Average: 28 days)
B- 60-150 days (Average: 90 days)
C- 14-182 days (Average 14-84 days)
Hepatitis C has the hightest mortality rate
What is nonviral hepatitis?
A toxic or drug-induced form of liver inflammation
Nonviral hepatitis is not caused by viral infections but rather by other factors such as toxins or medications.
What are some common causes of nonviral hepatitis?
Exposure to:
* Alcohol
* Certain chemicals or drugs
* Anti-inflammatories
* Anticonvulsants
* Antibiotics
* Cytotoxic drugs for cancer treatment
* Antitubercular drugs
* Radiographic contrast agents
* Antipsychotics
* Antidepressants
These substances can trigger liver inflammation, leading to nonviral hepatitis.
What is cirrhosis?
A chronic hepatic disease characterized by the destruction of liver cells and replacement of connective tissue by fibrous bands (Scarring)
What are the primary consequences of cirrhosis?
Impaired blood and lymph flow, hepatic insufficiency, and increased clinical manifestations.
What is the most common cause of liver disease (Cirrhosis) in the United States?
Alcohol abuse.
List three signs and symptoms of cirrhosis.
- Mild right upper quadrant pain
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
What gastrointestinal symptoms are associated with cirrhosis?
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Indigestion
- Anorexia
What are some general symptoms of cirrhosis?
- Dull abdominal ache
- Ease of fatigue with mild exertion
- Weakness
- Fever
What is cholelithiasis?
The presence or formation of gallstones
Cholelithiasis can be asymptomatic and often detected incidentally during medical imaging.
What can occur if a gallstone gets lodged in the cystic duct?
Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
This condition arises due to the obstruction caused by the gallstone.
What happens when the hepatic or common bile duct is obstructed?
Blocks the exit of bile from the liver
This obstruction can be caused by a stone or spasm.
What is often the first symptom of bile duct obstruction?
Jaundice
Jaundice occurs due to the buildup of bile pigments in the bloodstream.
What are common signs of Acute Cholecystitis?
- Chills
- Low-grade fever
- Jaundice
- GI symptoms
- Nausea
- Anorexia
- Vomiting
- Tenderness over the gallbladder
- Severe pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) and epigastrium
- Pain radiating into the right shoulder and between the scapulae
Tenderness on the tip of the tenth rib (right side anteriorly) is called a ‘hot rib’ and can also affect the eleventh and twelfth ribs (right anterior).
What is biliary colic?
Severe, steady pain for 3 to 4 hours in the right upper quadrant (RUQ)
Biliary colic is a common symptom of Chronic cholecystitis.
Where may the pain from chronic cholecystitis radiate?
To the midback between the scapulae
This occurs due to splanchnic fibers synapsing with phrenic nerve fibers.
What symptom indicates intolerance of fatty foods in chronic cholecystitis?
Nausea
Decreased bile production results in decreased fat digestion.
List three gastrointestinal symptoms of chronic cholecystitis.
- Abdominal fullness
- Heartburn
- Excessive belching
True or False: Constipation and diarrhea can be symptoms of chronic cholecystitis.
True
Both constipation and diarrhea can occur in this condition.
What are obvious signs that warrant physician referral regarding hepatic disease?
History of previous cancer or risk factors for hepatitis
These signs indicate potential liver complications.
What condition in patients with a history of hepatitis may require referral?
Development of arthralgias of unknown cause
This suggests possible hepatic involvement.
What symptoms indicate the need for referral related to carpal and tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome with bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome
Should be accompanied by asterixis or other hepatic signs.
What is a concerning symptom that may indicate hepatic system impairment?
Presence of sensory neuropathy of unknown cause
This should be accompanied by signs and symptoms associated with hepatic impairment.
What condition should prompt immediate physician referral in clients with a history of statin use?
New onset of myopathy
Myopathy refers to muscle weakness or damage, which can be a side effect of statins, particularly in older adults.
What specific demographic is particularly noted for new onset of myopathy?
Older adult
Older adults may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects from medications like statins.
What should be assessed alongside new onset of myopathy?
Other risk factors, signs, and symptoms of liver or renal impairment
Liver and renal impairments can exacerbate the effects of statin use and contribute to myopathy.