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Free Online Flashcard Deck

6 Hepatic Encephalopathy Free Online FlashCards

Study 6 Hepatic Encephalopathy with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.

12 cards
01
Front

What is hepatic encephalopathy?

Back

Hepatic encephalopathy is brain dysfunction associated with liver impairment or portosystemic shunting.

02
Front

How is hepatic encephalopathy diagnosed?

Back

It is a clinical diagnosis. Assess for other causes of altered mental status as well as HE.

03
Front

Which West Haven grades generally count as overt HE?

Back

West Haven grade II or higher is generally considered overt hepatic encephalopathy.

04
Front

What is the priority for a patient with cirrhosis who responds only to strong stimulation?

Back

Urgently assess airway protection and level of care; high-grade HE may require step-down or intensive care. Also evaluate other urgent causes of altered consciousness.

05
Front

What infection assessment is important when a patient with ascites develops confusion and fever?

Back

Infection is a common precipitant. In a patient with ascites, promptly evaluate for infection, including spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; diagnostic paracentesis is important.

06
Front

Does an elevated ammonia level confirm HE or determine its severity?

Back

No. HE is diagnosed clinically; ammonia alone should not establish the diagnosis, grade severity, or guide treatment.

07
Front

What is the usual stool goal when titrating lactulose for HE?

Back

Titrate lactulose to about 2–3 soft bowel movements daily.

08
Front

How should recurrence despite lactulose maintenance be addressed?

Back

Avoid excessive diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. If HE recurs despite maintenance treatment, reassess adherence and precipitants; rifaximin may be added to help prevent further episodes.

09
Front

What findings are typical of West Haven grade II?

Back

Disorientation to time, lethargy, and asterixis are typical of grade II.

10
Front

What characterizes West Haven grade III?

Back

Grade III involves marked confusion or somnolence with gross disorientation.

11
Front

What is the defining state in West Haven grade IV?

Back

Grade IV is coma.

12
Front

Name two potentially reversible precipitants of overt HE.

Back

Gastrointestinal bleeding and constipation are potentially reversible precipitants of overt HE.