Digestion & Metabolism Exam 3 Flashcards
What are the most common causes of drug-induced hepatitis?
Acetaminophen
statins
combining alcohol with these meds
What measures should you teach your patient about preventing drug-induced hepatitis?
no herbals (harmful to liver)
OTC meds
What are the clinical manifestations of acute hepatic failure?
fatigue
anorexia
constipation/diarrhea
chalky/oily stool
ascites
jaundice
hepatic encephalopathy (results in a coma)
Coagulation abnormalities
What diagnostics are used for acute hepatic failure?
ammonia level
drug screen
CT/MRI
increased PT & INR (bleeding)
increased bili
increased AST/ALT
What is the normal ammonia level?
15-45
What are the priority nursing interventions for acute hepatic failure?
neuro & ICP assessments
paracentesis (ascites)
liver transplant (only tx for acute liver failure)
monitor for new onset of restlessness, confusion, & deteriorating LOC
monitor airway, resp status, ET tube & oral airway
daily weights & abdominal girth
assess pain
What medications should be used for acute liver failure?
lactulose (decrease ammonia)
beta-blockers or vasoconstrictors (varices)
diuretics (ascites)
vit K (risk for bleeding)
What meds should you avoid with acute liver failure?
nephrotoxic meds (NSAIDs)
sedatives (harmful effects on mental status)
What are some potential complications of acute liver failure?
Portal HTN (esophageal varices)
renal failure
neurological deterioration
sepsis
What kind of diet should a patient with acute liver failure be on?
high carb
high protein (low w/ hepatic encephalopathy)
moderate fat
fluid restriction
possibly enteral feedings
What vitamins should pts with acute liver failure take?
thiamine
folate
B12
vit. A D E K (fat-soluble)
What is esophageal varices caused by?
portal vein hypertension
What are the clinical manifestations of esophageal varices?
hematemesis
melena
hypotension
tachycardia
decreased H & H
What is the #1 priority intervention for esophageal varices?
Control bleeding to prevent hemorrhage & hypovolemic shock
What are the nursing interventions for esophageal varices?
large-bore IV access
monitor for tachycardia and hypotension
watch for bleeding and H & H
educate pt on not straining (coughing, sneezing, alcohol, heavy lifting)
What medications are used to treat esophageal varices?
Beta-blockers: propranolol (vasodilates to decrease the risk of hemorrhage)
Octreotide (reduces bleeding/vasodilates)
Vasoconstrictors (if bleeding)
What treatment procedures are used for esophageal varices?
Banding
TIPS
Balloon Tamponade
What is the banding procedure?
Banding: places rubber band at the base of varices to stop bleeding during an upper endoscopy
What is the TIPS procedure?
TIPS: a catheter is placed in the liver b/w the portal & hepatic vein (helps relieve portal HTN)
What is a balloon tamponade?
EG tube w/ esophageal & gastric balloons are used to compress blood vessels in the esophagus & stomach
What does the upper GI tract contain? What causes acute hemorrhage?
esophagus: varices
stomach: gastric or duodenal-commonly caused by PUD, gastritis, tumors, esophagitis
What does the lower GI tract contain? What causes acute hemorrhage in that area?
Small & large intestine
rectum
anus
causes: diverticulosis, cancer, polyps, IBD, UC
What are the signs of an upper GI tract hemorrhage?
hematemesis: bloody vomit
melena: black tarry stool
What are the signs of a lower GI tract hemorrhage?
hematochezia: bright red bloody stool
abdominal pain
What are the general signs if a GI tract hemorrhage?
cool/clammy skin
restlessness
cap refill >3 sec
rigid abdomen
s/sx of anemia