Ascities Flashcards
1
Q
what is ascities
A
accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
2
Q
usually _______ happens causing portal hypertension and ascitites
A
cirrhosis
3
Q
Etiology of ascities
A
- 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)
4
Q
mnfts of ascities
A
- 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
5
Q
treatment of ascities
A
- small volume: treat with diuretics and decrease salt intake
- fluids & electrolytes (loss of fluid)
- large volume greater than 5L: paracentisis & volume expander (eg. albumin)
6
Q
why is a volume expander such as albumin used after fluid is drained through paracentisis
A
albumin provides osmotic pressure- pull pressure, doesn’t bring any fluid back but counters the hydrostatic pressure causing fluid to stay in blood vessels.
