5 Liver Disorders and Nursing Care Free Online FlashCards

What are four major functions of the liver?

The liver processes nutrients and medications, produces bile and blood proteins, stores energy, and helps regulate clotting.

What symptoms can occur with acute hepatitis?

Acute hepatitis may cause fatigue, nausea, right-upper-quadrant discomfort, dark urine, pale stools, itching, and jaundice; some people have few symptoms.

How is acute liver failure characterized?

Acute liver failure is rapid liver injury with impaired clotting and altered mental status in a person without pre-existing cirrhosis.

Which changes require urgent escalation in suspected acute liver failure?

New confusion, unusual sleepiness, bleeding, or rapidly worsening jaundice requires urgent escalation; suspected overdose also needs immediate evaluation.

What is a key nursing priority for medication safety in liver disease?

Reconcile prescription and nonprescription medicines, acetaminophen-containing products, herbs, and supplements with the care team. Do not advise stopping prescribed medicines without clinician guidance.

Which viral hepatitis can be prevented by vaccination?

Hepatitis B vaccination prevents hepatitis B; there is no hepatitis C vaccine.

What defines MASLD, and what can it progress to?

MASLD involves excess fat in the liver and is associated with metabolic risks such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Some patients develop inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis.

How do compensated and decompensated cirrhosis differ?

Compensated cirrhosis has no major complications; decompensated cirrhosis involves complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, or variceal bleeding.

What should nursing monitoring include for a patient with ascites?

Monitor abdominal girth as directed, daily weight, edema, breathing, intake and output, electrolytes, and renal function. Do not impose fluid restriction unless prescribed.

What findings may suggest spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis may cause fever, abdominal pain or tenderness, confusion, low blood pressure, or worsening kidney function; symptoms can be subtle.

Which signs can indicate variceal bleeding?

Vomiting blood, coffee-ground emesis, or black, tarry stool may indicate life-threatening variceal bleeding and requires an emergency response.

What changes may indicate hepatic encephalopathy?

Hepatic encephalopathy may cause sleep-pattern changes, inattention, personality changes, confusion, or reduced alertness.