hepatitis

Question 1

what is hepatic encephalopathy?

Answer 1

a syndrome observed in liver cirrhosis (70%),
neuropsychiatric abnormalities with liver dysfunction after excluding brain disease.

due to GI bleeding.

personality changes, intellectual impairment, depressed LOC.

Question 2

nursing management for ascites

Answer 2

low salt diet
weight control and weight management
I/O
risk for impaired skin integrity for the patient who has peripheral odema and ascites.

abdominal paracentesis - lie down and frequent vital signs

Question 3

nursing care for liver cirrhosis

Answer 3

observe for bleeding - bleed easily
, hepatic coma, monitor lab values eg. LFT, FBC, Renal function test.

electrolyte balance - if sodium high, water stay and cause fluid retention.

Albumin level should be balanced, if albumin drop, water will come in to the intravascular space and cause retention. (1 of the mx is to administer albumin inj)

provide high calorie, low protein diet.

special skin care- apply spin protective cream, itch reduce cream, keep nails trimmed due to pruritus (s&s of jaundice)

semi fowler’s position- easier to breathe, prevent dyspnea.

monitor I/O, abdominal girth, daily weight to assess fluid balance.

Question 4

how many stages are there for hepatic encephalopathy

Answer 4

4

Question 5

what are signs of stage 1 of hepatic encephalopathy

Answer 5

mild confusion, agitation, sleep disturbances, decreased attention

Question 6

what are signs of stage 2 of hepatic encephalopathy

Answer 6

lethargy, disorientation, inappropriate behaviour, drowsiness.