Hepatic Disorders Flashcards
Functions of the liver
glucose metabolism
ammonia conversion
protein metabolism
fat metabolism
vitamin and iron storage
bile formation
bilirubin excretion
drug metabolism
The majority of the blood supply to the liver, which is poor in nutrients, comes from the portal vein. T or F
False - majority of supply that is rich in nutrients from the GI tract comes from the portal vein
What LFTs are associated with liver disorders and are known to increase with hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer?
serum aminotransferases, ALT, AST
What LFT is associated with cholestasis and alcoholic liver disease?
GGT
What does the nurse assess in the patient with liver dysfunction?
H&P - exposure to toxins, travel, alcohol and drug use; skin - yellow and dry, LOC, palpation - liver inflammation
What manifestations are seen with liver dysfunction?
Jaundice
Poral hypertension
Ascites, varices
Hepatic encephalopathy or coma
Nutritional deficiencies
Yellow - ish coloring of sclera or skin caused by increased serum bilirubin
jaundice
Jaundice occurs when bilirubin exceeds
> 2 mg/dL
Types of jaundice
hemolytic, hepatocellular, obstructive
Signs and symptoms of jaundice
**dark orange-brown urine
**clay colored stools
anorexia/N/V
weight loss
fatigue, weakness, malaise
headache, chills, fever, infection
dyspepsia
pruritus
Complication occurring from obstructed blood flow through the liver resulting in increased pressure through the portal venous system
portal hypertension
Portal hypertension can result in?
Ascites
Esophageal tears
What protein draws fluid in resulting in ascites?
albumin
s/ of ascites include
pain
infection
SOB
pressure on vital organs
What can be performed as a comfort measure for ascites?
regular paracentesis
How does the nurse assess ascites?
Record abdominal girth
Daily weight
Assess for fluid in cavity by percussion
Monitor for F&E imbalances
How is ascites managed?
Low sodium diet
Diuretics - spirolactone
Bed rest
Paracentesis- VS, fevers, redness@ site
What emergent condition is caused by the accumulation of ammonia and other toxins in the blood?
Hepatic Encephalopathy
What two major alterations affect the development of hepatic encephalopathy?
Hepatic insufficiency
Portosystemic shunting
The inability of the liver to detoxify toxic by-products of metabolism
hepatic insufficiency
Disorder where collateral vessels develop in the liver allowing toxic portal blood to enter systemic circulation
portosystemic shunting
What are the earliest signs of hepatic encephalopathy?
severe mental changes like hallucinations and motor distrubances
How does the nurse assess the patient for hepatic encephalopathy?
EEG - brain damage
Changes in LOC - hallucinations
Seizure precautions
Monitor F&E, ammonia levels**
What is the most important thing to monitor in hepatic encephalopathy?
ammonia levels