exam 3 Flashcards
asterixis
involuntary flapping of the the hands
which lab level being affected causes jaundice?
bilirubin-high
direct serum bilirubin
0.1-0.4 mg/dL
direct serum bilirubin
0.1-0.4 mg/dL
total serum bilirubin
0.3-1mg/dL
Serum albumin
3.5-5.2g/dL
AST
10-40U/mL
ALT
8-40U/mL
Ammonia
15-45 mcg/dL
Where does the liver get blood from?
Nutrient rich but no oxygen from the GI tract via the portal vein and oxygen rich from the hepatic artery
What are the metabolic functions of the liver?
Glucose metabolism, ammonia conversion, protein metabolism, fat metabolism, vitamin and iron storage, bile formation, bilirubin excretion, drug metabolism
What can happen if the drugs aren’t being metabolized properly?
Toxicity
How much damage has occurred before liver function studies are abnormal?
70%
What is the serum aminotransferase test for?
Useful in detecting hepatitis; abnormal levels indicate injury to liver cells
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
levels increase in liver disorders; used to monitor the course of hepatitis, cirrhosis, the effects of treatments that may be toxic to the liver
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
not specific to liver diseases; however levels of AST may increase with cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)
levels are associated with cholestasis; alcoholic liver disease
What should the nurse be aware of post liver biopsy?
Watch for signs of bleeding as the liver is very vascular-tachycardia, hypotension. Watch for peritonitis
What is peritonitis?
Life threatening condition in which the peritoneum (the tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen) becomes inflamed or infected
What are the symptoms associated with liver disease?
Hematemesis, bloody stool, easy bruising, anorexia, weight gain d/t fluid, increasing abdominal girth. abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, dry/itchy skin, ascites
What are some drugs that can affect the liver?
IV drug use, NSAIDs, Anti-fungals (ending with-zole), and valproic acid seizure meds.
What is cirrhosis?
Cell destruction and fibrosis (scarring) of hepatic tissue; typically due to alcohol use
How much fluid is considered to be ascites?
greater than 500 mL
Symptoms that come with ascites:
Abdominal pain, bloating, increased abdominal girth, nausea, SOB
Why is there an increased risk of bleeding for patients with cirrhosis?
The liver produces prothrombin which is a clotting factor; the liver is very vascular and damage could cause bleeding; a clinical manifestation for cirrhosis is thrombocytopenia which is decreased platelets
Portal hypertension
Obstructed blood flow through the liver results in increased pressure throughout the portal venous system; life-threatening as it can cause esophageal varices
What is hepatic encephalopathy?
A brain disorder caused by the buildup of ammonia when the liver does not properly filter it out
What is the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube used for?
To apply pressure to esophageal varices and slow bleeding