Med sure quiz # 5 liver, pancreas Flashcards
1
Q
Referred Pain
A
- Is often experience in a location different from its source.
- To illustrate, pain from appendicitis is usually felt around umbilicus and is of the aching, cramping type. The pain impulses come from an inflamed appendix in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen, where sharp pain also may be experienced.
- Anginal pain is another type of referred pain. This it is caused by lack of blood flow to the heart muscle and may be experienced as pain in the jaw, arm, and neck, as well as in the chest.
2
Q
Metabolism
A
- Glucose Metabolism The liver helps to maintain the blood glucose within a certain range. After a meal, excess glucose molecules are taken up by the liver, combined, and then stored as glycogen. This process is called glycogenesis. When the glucose level in the blood falls, the process is reversed by glycogenolysis and glucose molecules are returned to the blood. Gluconeogenesis is the third process by which the liver maintains blood glucose. Fats and protein are broken down in response to low blood glucose levels and the molecules are used to make new glucose.
- Protein Metabolism Some nonessential amino acids, plasma proteins (albumin and globulin), and clotting factors are synthesized in the liver. Another important liver function in relation to protein metabolism is conversion of ammonia to urea. Ammonia is a by-product of the metabolism of amino acids. If ammonia accumulates in the blood, it has toxic effects on the brain tissue.
- Lipid Metabolism The liver synthesizes lipids from glucose, pyruvic acid, acetic acid, and amino acid. It also synthesizes fatty acids, breaks down triglycerides, an synthesizes and breaks down cholesterol.
3
Q
Blood Coagulation
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- Normal blood coagulations (clotting) is a complex process. Two essential elements for coagulation, prothrombin and fibrinogen, are synthesized by the liver.
4
Q
Exocrine Function
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- The exocrine function of the pancreas is carried out by acinar tissue. Acinar tissue is composed of tiny grapelike clusters of cells that produce pancreatic fluid. Pancreatic fluid contains enzymes needed for the digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is secreted into the duodenum through the pancreatic duct.
- The pancreatic enzymes trypsin, amylase, and lipase acts on partially digested foods in the small intestine. Trypsin plays a role in the digestion of protein by breaking proteases and peptones into small polypeptides. Normally, trypsin is not activated until it enters the duodenum. Otherwise, it would digest the protein tissue of the pancreas itself. Amylase acts with intestinal enzymes to reduce starch, sucrose, and fructose to glucose, fructose, and galactose. Lipase acts on emulsified fats to yield fatty acids, glycerides, and glycerol.
5
Q
Endocrine Function
A
- The endocrine function of the pancreas is carried out by clusters of specialized cells scattered throughout the pancreas. These cells are called islet of Langerhans. The islets contain Alpha, Beta, Delta, and PP cells. Alpha cells produce and secrete glucagon. Beta cells produce and secrete insulin. Delta cells produce somatostatin, which inhibits the release of glucagon and insulin. PP cells secrete pancreatic polypeptides, a family of peptides known chiefly for their inhibitory functions.
- Glucagon is secreted when the blood glucose level falls. It stimulates the liver to convert glycogen into glucose. Insulin is secreted when the blood sugar rises, as after a meal. It stimulates the use of glucose by the cells so that a normal blood glucose level is maintained
6
Q
Physical Examination
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- Head and Neck Inspection of the mouth determines the condition of the lips, teeth, gums, tongue, and mucous membranes. Describe caries, moisture, color, and lesions and note any unpleasant or unusual odors of the mouth. If the patient has dentures, examine the mouth with and without the dentures in place. Inspect the sclera of the eyes. Like the skin, the sclera may turn yellow with liver disease, a condition called scleral icterus. This sign is especially useful when jaundice cannot be seen elsewhere in dark-skinned people.
7
Q
Reduced Activity Tolerance and Potential for Complications of Immobility
A
- Most patients with acute viral hepatitis are treated at home, so instructions about activity limitations or needed. The extent of activity limitation depends on the severity of the symptoms. Although the patient is asymptomatic, bed rest may be advised. Explain that rest allows deliver to heal by regenerating new cells to replace those damaged by hepatitis. Blank air activities to permit times when the patient is not disturbed. Offer diversions such as reading or television to combat boredom.
- Unless the patient has severe complications, complete bed rest is usually not necessary. If complete bed rest is ordered, the patient is at risk for complications of immobility. Inspect the skin for early signs of pressure (redness, especially over Bony prominences). If the patient is unable to turn in dependently, assist with turning at least every 2 hours. Moisturizing lotions protect the skin and help to relieve itching associated with jaundice. Teach the patient to cough and deep breathe every 2 hours to reduce the risk of pneumonia. Gentle exercise of the legs promotes circulation and discourages the formation of thrombi. Discourage crossing of the legs. Inactivity tends to lead to constipation and may cause urinary stasis. Therefore, record bowel movements and urine output and describe any abnormal characteristics of stool and urine.
8
Q
Altered Body Image
A
- The patient may be self-conscious about his or her appearance because of jaundice. Demonstrate acceptance of the patient and explain that the skin color usually returns to normal in 2-4 weeks.
9
Q
Complications (cirrhosis)
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- Portal Hypertension-The portal vein delivers blood from the intestines to the liver. changes in the liver with cirrhosis obstruct the flow of incoming blood, causing blood to back up in the portal system. high portal pressure, or portal hypertension, causes collateral vessels to develop. Collateral vessels commonly form in the esophagus, the anterior abdominal wall, and the rectum.
- Hepatic Encephalopathy The failing liver is unable to detoxify ammonia, a breakdown product of protein metabolism. Excessive ammonia in the blood causes neurologic symptoms, including cognitive disturbances, declining level of consciousness, and changes in the neuromuscular function. If the condition is not reversed, the patient lapses into unconsciousness, referred to as hepatic coma.
Factors that may precipitate hepatic encephalopathy are infection, fluid and potassium depletion, GI bleeding, Constipation, and some drugs.
10
Q
Disorders of the Gallbladder
A
- Gallbladder disease is one of the most common health problems in the United states. The two most common gallbladder disorders are cholecystitis and cholelithiasis. Carcinoma of the gallbladder occurs but is uncommon
- Risk factors for Gallbladder disease include obesity, familial tendency, a sedentary lifestyle, and the use of estrogen or oral contraceptives. Women are at regular risk than men, especially women who have had multiple pregnancies. The “five Fs” are sometimes used to describe those at greatest risk for gallbladder disease: female, fat, fair, forty, and fertile.
11
Q
Patient Teaching – Cholelithiasis
A
- You need to have a low-fat diet with supplementary fat-soluble vitamins (or as ordered by the physician). The dietitian will explain the details of the diet to you.
- Notify your physician of signs of bile duct obstruction: light stools, dark urine, jaundice, and itching.
- If you are taking bile salts, report gastric upset.
- Keep medical appointments to have blood drawn to monitor liver function.
- Do not rely on oral contraceptives; bile salts interfere with their effectiveness.
12
Q
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
A
After laparoscopic cholecystectomy, usual instructions include the following:
- avoid fatty foods for several weeks.
- Remove the dressings and bathe or shower normally the next day.
- Notify the physician if redness, drainage, or pus from the incision is noted.
- Report any signs of peritonitis: severe abdominal pain, chills and fever, and vomiting.
- A low-fat diet may be recommended for 4-6 weeks.
- In general, avoid heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks or as prescribed. Other activities, including sexual intercourse, can usually be resumed when you feel well enough.
13
Q
Pancreatitis
A
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Can be acute or chronic
- Often associated with alcoholism or obstruction of the pancreatic duct by gallstone.
- Other causes are viral infections, peptic ulcer disease, cysts, metabolic disorders, and trauma from external injury, surgery, or endoscopic procedures.
- High fat diet and cigarette smoking please roll as well.
- Chronic pancreatitis is associated with alcohol abuse but often develops independently chronic pancreatitis is sometimes associated with cancer of the duo denim and pancreas.
- Pancreatic enzymes are activated in the small intestine with pancreatitis they just of enzymes are activated by some mechanism that is not well understood and begin to digest pancreatic tissue fat and elastic tissue and blood vessels. Fluid may leak into the surrounding tissues. The effect of this escape fluid has been compared with an internal chemical burn and can be devastating.
14
Q
Cancer of the Pancreas
A
- Cancer of the pancreas is extremely serious as it quickly spreads to the duodenum, stomach, spleen, and left adrenal gland. About 42,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United states. Only 24% of these people will survive for 1 year; 4% will be alive after five years. Among persons diagnosed early, about 17% are alive after five years.
- The risk factors for pancreatic cancer include chronic pancreatitis and smoking. Other probable risk factors are obesity, diabetes mellitus, a high fat diet, an exposure to certain toxic chemicals. Tumors may develop in the head, body, or tail of the pancreas.
15
Q
Patient Teaching Pancreatitis
A
- Your prescribed diet (usually bland, high carbohydrate, low fat) will avoid stimulating your pancreas and will promote healing.
- At first, you may tolerate small, frequent meals better than large meals.
- Abstaining from alcohol and tobacco decreases your risk for recurrence.
- Community resources such as Alcoholics Anonymous can assist if it is hard for you to abstain from drinking alcohol.