GI: LIVER

Question 1

HEPATITIS B

Increase or Decrease?

1. ALT
2. AST
3. Bilirubin
4. Platelets

Answer 1

1. ALT I
2. AST I
3. Bilirubin I
4. Platelets D

ALT and AST elevation indicte inflammation or chronic damage to the liver

Question 2

Esophageal varices?

Answer 2

Esophageal varices are dilated sub-mucosal veins in the esophagus they are a consequence of portal HTN caused by cirrhosis

Question 3

Clients with cirrhosis need to eat more?

Answer 3

carbohydrates

Question 4

1. Hepatic encephalopathy occurs due to liver failure resulting in the accumulation of ___?___
2. Client with this condition is unable to convert ammonia to ___?___
3. S/S (3)
4. Avoid what types of foods?

Answer 4

1. toxins eg ammonia
2. urea
3. Confusion, decrease LOC, coma, asterixis
4. Foods high in protein

Hepatic Encephalopathy, sometimes referred to as portosystemic encephalopathy or PSE, is a condition that causes temporary worsening of brain function in people with advanced liver disease. When your liver is damaged it can no longer remove toxic substances from your blood. These toxins build up and can travel through your body until they reach your brain, causing mental and physical symptoms of HE.

Question 5

asterixis

Answer 5

flapping tremor of the hands often seen in late stages of liver disease

Question 6

Cirrhosis daily prescription for lactulose (Cephulac) why?

Answer 6

lactulose promotes the excretion of ammonia in the stool. pt will have more frequent stool to achieve this