Hepatic Coma Flashcards
1
Q
When you eat protein what does it breakdown to?
A
Ammonia
2
Q
What does the liver convert ammonia to?
A
Urea
3
Q
Where is urea excreted?
A
Kidneys
4
Q
When liver is impaired can it breakdown proteins?
A
No
5
Q
What builds up in blood when liver can’t breakdown proteins?
A
ammonia
6
Q
What does ammonia do to the LOC?
A
decreases it
7
Q
What are s/s of a hepatic coma?
A
- Minor mental changes/motor problems
- Difficult to awaken
- Asterixis (hand flapping)
- Hand writing changes
- Reflexes will decrease
- EEG will be slow
- Fetor (breath smells like ammonia)
- GI bleeding common
8
Q
Treatment for cirrhosis?
A
- Lactulose (decrease ammonia)
- Enemas (rid blood from GI)
- Decrease protein in diet
- Monitor serum ammonia
