Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of administering diuretics to a client with cirrhosis and ascites?
To reduce sodium and fluid retention, helping manage ascites
What complication should a nurse monitor for in a client receiving morphine for pancreatitis pain?
Respiratory depression
What dietary change is essential for a client with pancreatitis?
Avoid fatty foods to help reduce pain and prevent exacerbations
What is a hallmark lab finding in a client with acute pancreatitis?
Increased serum amylase and lipase
What is the recommended action for a nurse when monitoring a client with cirrhosis and a low platelet count?
Assess for signs of bleeding due to the increased risk from low platelets
What is a common side effect of Chenodiol in the treatment of gallstones?
Diarrhea
What is an important aspect of postoperative care following laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Monitoring the T-tube output to ensure proper bile drainage
What is a common sign of hepatic encephalopathy in a client with cirrhosis?
Asterixis (flapping tremor)
What condition is suggested by changes in mental status, asterixis, and elevated ammonia levels in a client with cirrhosis?
Hepatic encephalopathy
What is the main function of lactulose in a client with cirrhosis?
Detoxify ammonia and promote it’s excretion
What dietary change is recommended for a client with chronic cholecystitis?
low-fat diet
Which medication should a nurse expect to be prescribed to manage esophageal varicose in cirrhosis?
Vasopressin
What is common complication of chronic pancreatitis related to digestion?
Steatorrhea (fatty, foul-smelling stools)
What position should be maintained for a client with acute pancreatitis to alleviate discomfort?
Semi-Fowler’s position
What condition is most likely to be associated with a serum bilirubin level of 3.0 mg/dL?
Jaundice
What medication is commonly prescribed for a client with cirrhosis to reduce fluid retention?
Spironolactone
What complication should the nurse monitor for after an open cholecystectomy?
Respiratory complications, such as atelectasis
What is the first action for a nurse when a client with acute pancreatitis presents with severe pain?
Relieving abdominal pain
What is an expected clinical manifestation of hepatocellular jaundice?
Fatigue, nausea, and malaise
What complication should be immediately reported in a client who has recently undergone a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
Excessive bile drainage greater that 500mL in 24 hours
What is a major risk factor for the development of chronic pancreatitis?
Chronic alcohol use
What finding in a client with cirrhosis is associated with worsening hepatic encephalopathy?
A change in handwriting or cognitive performance
What is the most common diagnostic test for diagnosing gallbladder disease?
Ultrasound
What sign should the nurse look for in a client with cirrhosis to assess for esophageal varicose?
Signs of GI bleeding
What medication should the nurse expect for a client with cirrhosis to help reduce portal pressure and control bleeding?
Beta-blockers
What would indicate a complication of pancreatitis related to the respiratory system?
Increased respiratory rate and abnormal blood gas values
What medication is commonly used to reduce portal pressure and prevent bleeding in esophageal varices for a client with cirrhosis?
Propranolol (beta-blocker)
What medication is used to treat ascites in clients with cirrhosis by promoting fluid removal?
Spironolactone (diuretic)
What is the purpose of administering Lactulose to a client with hepatic encephalopathy?
To reduce serum ammonia levels by promoting its excretion in the stool
What medication is used to reduce pruritus (itching) in clients with liver disorders?
Cholestyramine
What is the function of Ursodiol (Actigall) in clients with gallstones?
It helps dissolve cholesterol-based gallstones
What medication should be used cautiously in clients with cirrhosis to prevent bleeding and promote blood clotting?
Vitamin K
What is the primary use of Kanamycin in the management of cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy?
It decreases intestinal bacteria to lower ammonia production
What is the role of Octreotide (Sandostatin) in the treatment of cirrhosis-related complications?
It is used to control bleeding in esophageal varices
What medication is typically prescribed for pain management in a client with acute pancreatitis?
Opioids (morphine, fentanyl)
Which medication helps reduce the secretion of gastric acid and protect the stomach lining in clients with pancreatitis?
Omeprazole
What medication is used to treatment inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis)?
Antibiotics such as Kanamycin or Neomycin
What medication is used to treat infection and bacterial growth in the gut in clients with pancreatitis?
IV antibiotics (Ceftriaxone)
Which medication is used to lower cholesterol levels in clients with liver disease?
Statins (atorvastatin)
What is the use of Neomycin in the management of hepatic encephalopathy?
It reduces the number of ammonia-producing bacteria in the intestines
Which medication is used in the treatment of gallstones by altering bile composition?
Chenodiol
What is the role of Beta-blockers like Propranolol in the management of cirrhosis with portal hypertension?
They reduce portal pressure by decreasing heart rate and blood flow to the splanchnic vasculature
What medication is used to treat the metabolic complications of cirrhosis, such as vitamin deficiencies?
Vitamin B complex, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and Iron
A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for managing portal hypertension?
1. Administer oral iron supplements
2. Monitor for signs of esophageal varices
3. Encourage a high-fat diet
4. Restrict sodium to 3g/day
- Monitor for signs of esophageal varices
-Portal hypertension can lead to esophageal varices, which can rupture and cause bleeding. Monitoring for signs of bleeding is crucial
A client with cirrhosis presents with ascites. What is the most appropriate intervention?
1. Restrict fluids to 500mL daily
2. Administer diuretics as prescribed
3. Encourage high-sodium foods
4. Increase dietary protein intake
- Administer diuretics as prescribed
-Diuretics help reduce fluid retention in clients with ascites
A nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which of the following should the nurse prioritize?
1. Administer opioid pain medications
2. Maintain NPO status to reduce pancreatic secretion
3. Encourage oral fluids to maintain hydration
4. Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia
- Maintain NPO status to reduce pancreatic secretion
-NPO status helps prevent further pancreatic stimulation, which is essential in managing acute pancreatitis
Which of the following lab findings would suggest that a client with cirrhosis is at risk for bleeding?
1. Elevated ammonia levels
2. Prolonged prothrombin time (PT)
3. Increased WBC count
4. Elevated bilirubin levels
- Prolonged prothrombin time (PT)
-Prolonged PT indicated impaired clotting factor synthesis, increasing the risk for bleeding
The nurse is caring for a client with gallstones. Which medication is most likely to be prescribed for this condition?
1. Ursodiol
2. Morphine sulfate
3. Lactulose
4. Propranolol
- Ursodiol
-Ursodiol is used to dissolve gallstones and is commonly prescribed for clients with gallstones
Which assessment finding in a client with cirrhosis would indicate hepatic encephalopathy?
1. Tachycardia
2. Asterixis (flapping tremor)
3. Increased white blood cell count
4. Elevated potassium levels
Asterixis (flapping tremor)
-Asterixis is a characteristic sign of hepatic encephalopathy, indication the liver’s inability to detoxify ammonia
A nurse is administering lactulose to a client with cirrhosis. What is the expected outcome of this medication?
1. Decreased serum ammonia levels
2. Increased serum potassium levels
3. Increased urine output
4. Reduced steatorrhea
- Decreased serum ammonia levels
-Lactulose reduces ammonia levels by promoting its excretion through the bowel, which helps manage hepatic encephlopathy
A nurse is providing education to a client diagnosed with hep C. What is the most important teaching point?
1. Hep C is curable with a single course of antibiotics
2. Alcohol should be avoided to prevent liver damage
3. Vitamin K supplements will improve liver function
4. Regular blood transfusions are required for treatment
- Alcohol should be avoided to prevent liver damage
-Avoiding alcohol is essential for clients with Hep C to prevent further liver damage
What is an important consideration when a client is prescribed Chenodiol for gallstones?
Monitor for diarrhea
Chenodiol can cause diarrhea as a side effect, monitoring is essential
Client underwent paracentesis and was being monitored for complications. What would require immediate action from the nurse?
A sudden drop in blood pressure
-Sudden drop in blood pressure may indicate hypovolemia, a possible complication from the removal of large volumes of fluid
What is an important intervention during recovery after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Early ambulation, encourage it.
-Early ambulation helps prevents complications such as deep vein thrombosis and promotes healing after surgery.
A client with cirrhosis is at risk for bleeding. What is the most important assessment a nurse is to perform?
Checking for petechiae and bruising
-Clients with cirrhosis are at risk for bleeding due to impaired clotting factor production. Monitoring for petechiae and bruising is crucial
When monitoring a client with acute pancreatitis, an immediate intervention would be:
A blood pressure of 80/60
-Hypotension can indicate shock or severe complications, and requires immediate intervention
Client that has liver cirrhosis and is prescribed a low-protein diet, what would indicate they would need further teaching about low-protein?
Eating eggs for additional protein
-Those with cirrhosis need to limit protein to avoid increasing ammonia levels. Eggs, being high in protein, should be limited
What should a nurse instruct a client to do that is preparing for an ultrasound, to diagnose gallstones?
Fasting for 12 hours before the procedure
-Fasting ensures that the gallbladder is full of bile, which improves visualization of gallstones during the ultrasound
Client has a platelet count of 50,000/mm3. What would be a priority for the nurse to assess?
Assess for signs of bleeding
-A low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, so assessing for signs of bleeding would be the priority
What is the purpose of a lithotripsy procedure for a client that has gallstones?
To break up gallstones using shock waves
-Lithotripsy uses shock waves to break up gallstones, making them easier to pass or remove.
What does a client with chronic pancreatitis that has steatorrhea, indicate?
Impaired fat digestion
-Steatorrhea, characterized by frothy and foul-smelling stools, is due to fat malabsorption commonly seen in chronic pancreatitis
