Liver probs Flashcards
Liver functions
metabolism and storage of fat, carbs, protein, vitamins, minerals
Drug metabolism, and detox
how does the liver act as a blood volume Reservoir?
Distends/compresses to alter circulating blood volume
how does the liver act as a blood filter?
Helps purify blood by removing BiliRubin
how does the liver help with blood clotting factors?
Prothrombin and fibrinogen
what is the functional unit of the liver?
lobule
Hepatocytes – regrow and regenerate
cupfur cells
Responsible for removing bacteria and toxins from blood
what is the portal circulation system responsible for?
Bringing blood to liver from stomach, intestines, spleen, pancreas
which vein does the blood enter the liver from?
Portal vein
how is the liver involved in the first pass effect?
Absorbs products of digestion
liver function test
AST, ALT, alkaline phosphate
BiliRubin – unconjugated/conjugated
Serum ammonia
Serum protein
Serum albumin
Prothrombin time – PT
which LFTs will elevate with impairment of the liver?
Serum ammonia
Prothrombin time
AST, LT, alkaline phosphate
which LFTs will decrease with impairment of the liver?
Serum, protein, and albumin
What is jaundice caused by?
Increase bilirubin in blood
three classes of jaundice
Hemolytic
Hepatocellular
Obstructive
What is hemolytic jaundice from?
Increased breakdown of RBCs
why does hepatocellular jaundice occur?
Liver, unable to take up/conjugate BiliRubin
how does obstructive jaundice occur?
Decreased/obstructed bile flow
what is BiliRubin the byproduct of
Hemoglobin breakdown
conjugated bilirubin is what
Direct bilirubin
Unconjugated bilirubin is what
Indirect bilirubin – more common
what would be the result of increased BiliRubin or impaired liver function?
Elevated indirect bilirubin
what occurs when the liver is working but can’t filter BiliRubin out?
direct bilirubin
Also, can lead to bile duct obstruction, gall stones
s/sx of jaundice
dark urine
Increased liver enzymes
Stools can be normal or clay colored
Pruritus
Yellow discoloration of skin and deep tissues
what are optimal sites to indicate jaundice?
Sclera of eye
Palms/soles of feet
Mucous membranes
