HEPATIC ENCEPHALOPATHY - QUIZ QUESTIONS

The Clinical setting step by step is no longer available.

Liver failure may be acute or chronic. Causes include:
certain drugs, alcohol abuse and certain chemicals .


Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic Encephalopathy is a complication of liver failure. The damaged liver loses 
     the ability to remove ammonia and other toxic waste.These products build up in the     
     blood and can migrate to the brain, resulting in encephalopathy. Patients may become
     confused, lethargic and even comatose.  Typically, Lactulose is ordered by the doctor,
    to remove excess ammonia. ICP monitoring is sometimes done for the patient with 
hepatic encephalopathy.                                                                                     

Ascites
This condition is heralded by a very distended abdomen because of excessive peritoneal 
fluid. Breathing becomes difficult and paracentesis is ordered by the doctor, to remove the
fluid. 

Anasarca
Anasarca, which is also known as generalised edema, may
be caused by a number of conditions. These include:
- Heart, renal or liver failure
- Low albumin (hypoalbuminemia), burns
- Corticosteroids and more


Paracentesis

The patient in liver failure may experience difficulty breathing , as fluid may
accumulate in the peritoneal cavity. The doctor may do a Paracentesis to make
breathing easier.




Esophageal varices

Esophageal varices is a complication of liver failure and considered to be life
 threatening. If the dilated blood vessels should rupture, hemorrhage can result
and subsequently hypovolemic shock.

Quiz questions


1) What causes liver failure?
2) What causes hepatic encephalopathy?
3) How is encephalopathy treated?
4) What is anasarca?
5) Why is a Paracentesis done?



 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HELPFUL INFORMATION ABOUT AN AORTIC ABDOMINAL ANEURYSM

Image
  Scenario : Mr. S is an elderly male who has a longstanding history of hypertension. He suddenly develops throbbing  pain in the abdomen. He notified his doctor and was admitted to the hospital for tests. A CAT scan would reveal an  Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. Surgical intervention for AAA was done emergently. Following surgery, Mr.S was transferred to the ICU  for a higher level of care. During his stay, his vital  signs, neurological, cardiac and respiratory status   would all be monitored. Please click on the links for more learning: Hemodynamic Monitoring Info for the layperson
Read more

CHEST PAIN ASSESSMENT AND EKG - QUIZ

Image
                       Chest pain assessment Chest pain is a very common complaint . It may occur anywhere and anytime, even at rest. It may be related to stress or actual damage to the heart. A patient having a heart attack , may very readily complain of chest pain. Helpful hints : If the patient in your care is complaining of chest pain,   immediate action should be taken to assess the pain. Chest pain may be sharp, severe and stabbing. It may also feel like pressure in the chest or  Like a pair of hands squeezing the chest.  It is important to do a pain assessment on a scale of 1-10 and document results. It is also of note to ask the patient to describe the character  and duration of the pain. Always remember to document all interventions. Follow your Institution's policies, procedures and MD orders for chest pain. Do you know your heart Simple EKG interpretation: The EKG (Electrocardiogram) is a noninv...
Read more

CARDIOGENIC SHOCK - QUIZ QUESTIONS

Image
Myocardial infarction A heart attack is the layman's term for a (MI) myocardial infarction.     It is caused by  a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. A blood clot  or plaque, may obstruct the flow of blood. This typically occurs in the    patient with CAD (   coronary artery disease) .  Symptoms include:                           chest pain which may radiate to the shoulder and jaw, pressure or                                                                      tightness in the chest, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and shortness of breath.                                              ...
Read more