Hepatic Coma Flashcards
1
Q
When you eat protein it breaks down into ____ and the liver converts it to urea. Urea can be excreted through kidneys without difficulty
A
Ammonia
2
Q
When the liver becomes impaired, it can’t make the conversion. What chemical builds up in the blood?
A
Ammonia
3
Q
What does ammonia do to LOC?
A
Decrease it
4
Q
S/s
Mind
A
Minor metal changes/motor problems
5
Q
S/s
Sleep
A
Difficult to awake
6
Q
S/s
Movement
A
Asterixis
Hand writing changes
7
Q
S/s
Reflexes
A
Decrease
*ammonia acts as sedative
8
Q
S/s
EEG
A
Slows
9
Q
S/s
Breath
A
Fetor (breath smells like ammonia)
10
Q
S/s
What increases ammonia level?
A
Protein!!!
11
Q
S/s
Liver people tend to be ?
A
GI bleeders
12
Q
Tx?
A
Lactulose
13
Q
Tx?
What does lactulose do?
A
Decrease serum ammonia (gets blood of of lower GI tract; diarrhea)
14
Q
Tx?
Cleansing ___
A
Enema
15
Q
Tx?
Decrease ___ in diet
A
Protein
