hepatic system

Question 1

the hepatic system consists of

Answer 1

the liver, gallbladder, & pancreas
-it is also part of the digestive system, these organs contribute substances such as bile, enzymes, & hormones that are important for digestion, as well as aiding in filtration & detoxification

Question 2

largest organ in the body

Answer 2

liver

Question 3

how many lobes does your liver had

Answer 3

4 lobes, mainly in RUQ under diaphragm

Question 4

liver functions

Answer 4

-metabolizes carbohydrates, fats, & proteins
-responsible for RBC removal & iron recycling (hemolysis)
-removes ammonia from body fluids
-converts glucose to glycogen & stores for muscle use or fuel
-stores fats & converts sugar to fats for storage in other parts of the body
-removes toxic substances, pharmaceutical drugs, harmful drugs, alcohol
-stores vitamins a,d,k,b12, iron, & heparin
-manufactures plasma proteins, prothrombin, fibrinogen
-makes cholesterol & 1 pint of bile everyday

Question 5

gallbladder

Answer 5

small sac that holds 2 oz bile, located under the right lobe of liver

Question 6

gallbladder function

Answer 6

primarily concentrates & stores bile which breaks down fats & neutralizes gastric secretions

Question 7

hepatic ducts

Answer 7

carries bile from liver to small intestine via cystic ducts

Question 8

cystic ducts

Answer 8

connects liver & gallbladder

Question 9

common bile ducts

Answer 9

where bile passes to duodenum to aid in digestion

Question 10

pancreas

Answer 10

fish shaped organ that connects to the duodenum, located on the left side of the body ULQ behind the stomach

Question 11

pancreas functions

Answer 11

-exocrine gland; secretes enzymes to help digest proteins, starches, & fats
-secretion & cholecystokinin
-endocrine; beta cells secrete insulin to regulate glucose metabolism & alpha cells secrete glucagon to increase blood sugars as needed

Question 12

common diag tests

Answer 12

-liver function tests; ALT, AST, GGT, bilirubin
-pancreatic enzyme tests
-fasting blood sugar
-ultrasound
-cholangiography; possible disorders of gallbladder & biliary system
-MRI or ERCP use contrast medium injected into liver to check for obstruction of common bile duct
-percutaneous liver biopsy
-needle biopsy/aspiration of liver tissue to assess for cirrhosis & metastasis
-eval persistent pain post cholecystectomy

Question 13

common disorders of the hepatic system

Answer 13

-cirrhosis
-gallstones
-hepatitis
-pancreatitis
-diabetes

Question 14

cirrhosis

Answer 14

chronic degenerative disease of the liver

Question 15

hepatitis

Answer 15

inflammation of the liver

Question 16

pancreatitis

Answer 16

inflammation of the pancreas

Question 17

diabetes

Answer 17

total or partial lack of insulin

Question 18

nursing assessment of the liver

Answer 18

-inspect abdomen for ascites, jaundice, straie, pulsations or peristaltic waves
-percuss the lower edge of the liver, should measure around 2-4” beyond edge of lower ribs
-palpate, place hand under lower edge of liver, have pt take a deep breath, gently press in, & feel for the edge. the edge should feel smooth, firm, & somewhat round
-assess for any tenderness in liver & gallbladder area
-monitor for rebound tenderness, or any pain on palpation

Question 19

nursing assessment of the gallbladder

Answer 19

-ultrasound is the most common/preferred
-scintigraphy & CT are secondary

Question 20

nursing assessment of the pancreas

Answer 20

-a normal pancreas is not palpable & is unable to be percussed as its posterior to the stomach
-if the abdomen is rigid, do not palpate