Ascities

Question 1

what is ascities

Answer 1

accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity

Question 2

usually _______ happens causing portal hypertension and ascitites

Answer 2

cirrhosis

Question 3

Etiology of ascities

Answer 3

• cirrhosis & portal HTN
• right sided heart failure (increase in hydrostatic pressure in bloodvessels then fluid is pushed out)
• severe changes in hydrostatic pressure & osmotic pressure (BV engorged, fluid moves out of blood, into interstital space then to body cavity, area of least resistance)
• water/Na+ retention (at level of the kidneys)

Question 4

mnfts of ascities

Answer 4

• dyspnea(pressure from body cavity, lungs not able to fill properly)
• abdominal distention (fluid accumulating in body cavity) the abdominal distention depends on posture and how fluid presents as distention if on back falls to side

Question 5

treatment of ascities

Answer 5

• small volume: treat with diuretics and decrease salt intake
• fluids & electrolytes (loss of fluid)
• large volume greater than 5L: paracentisis & volume expander (eg. albumin)

Question 6

why is a volume expander such as albumin used after fluid is drained through paracentisis

Answer 6

albumin provides osmotic pressure- pull pressure, doesn’t bring any fluid back but counters the hydrostatic pressure causing fluid to stay in blood vessels.