Exam 3 - Hepatic/Biliary Flashcards
Given the crucial role of the liver in synthesizing coagulation factors, which of the following factors is NOT predominantly produced by the liver?
A. Factor V
B. Factor IX
C. Factor VIII
D. Factor X
Correct Answer: C. Factor VIII
Rationale: The liver is responsible for the synthesis of most coagulation factors, including factors V, IX, and X. However, Factor VIII is an exception as it is synthesized in the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels.
Which of the following is NOT a primary function of the liver?
A. Detoxification of blood
B. Synthesis of digestive enzymes
C. Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
D. Storage of vitamins and iron
Correct Answer: B. Synthesis of digestive enzymes
The falciform ligament is an important anatomical landmark in the liver. It separates the:
A. Right and left lobes
B. Anterior and posterior segments
C. Superior and inferior parts
D. Quadrate and caudate lobes
Answer: A. Right and left lobes
Rationale: The falciform ligament attaches the liver to the anterior abdominal wall and separates the larger right and smaller left lobes of the liver. This is essential knowledge for a CRNA when considering the hepatic blood flow and possible implications during liver resections or transplantations.
The liver is divided into how many segments?
A. 2
B. 4
C. 8
D. 10
Answer: C. 8
Rationale: The liver is divided into 8 segments based on blood supply and bile drainage.
The hepatic ducts drain bile into the:
A. Pancreas
B. Spleen
C. Gallbladder & common bile duct
D. Stomach
Answer: C. Gallbladder & common bile duct
Rationale: Bile produced by the liver drains through the hepatic duct into the gallbladder and common bile duct.
Which veins are responsible for draining blood from the liver into the inferior vena cava?
A. Hepatic portal vein
B. Right, middle, and left hepatic veins
C. Cystic vein
D. Renal veins
Answer: B. Right, middle, and left hepatic veins
Rationale: The three hepatic veins (right, middle, left) are responsible for draining deoxygenated blood from the liver into the inferior vena cava.
The liver receives what percentage of the cardiac output (COP)?
A. 10%
B. 25%
C. 50%
D. 75%
Answer: B. 25%
Rationale: The liver receives 25% of the cardiac output, which is the highest proportionate blood flow received by any organ, amounting to 1.25-1.5 liters per minute.
What is the source of the blood that flows through the portal vein to the liver?
A. Hepatic artery
B. Aorta
C. Splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein
D. Inferior vena cava
Answer: C. Splenic vein and superior mesenteric vein
Rationale: The portal vein is formed by the confluence of the splenic vein and the superior mesenteric vein, carrying deoxygenated blood from the gastrointestinal organs, pancreas, and spleen.
The blood supplied by the portal vein to the liver is characterized by:
A. Being fully oxygenated
B. Containing nutrients from gastrointestinal absorption
C. Carrying waste products to be filtered by the liver
D. B and C are correct
Answer: D. B and C are correct
Rationale: The portal vein carries blood that is rich in nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract and the spleen but is partially deoxygenated. This blood also contains waste products that the liver will process.
How is oxygen delivered to the liver?
A. 100% through the hepatic artery
B. 75% through the portal vein and 25% through the hepatic artery
C. 50% through the portal vein and 50% through the hepatic artery
D. 25% through the portal vein and 75% through the hepatic artery
Answer: C. 50% through the portal vein (deoxygenated) and 50% through the hepatic artery
Hepatic arterial blood flow compensates for changes in which of the following?
A. Systemic arterial pressure
B. Portal venous blood flow
C. Kidney perfusion
D. Heart rate
Answer: B. Portal venous blood flow
Rationale: Hepatic arterial blood flow inversely relates to portal venous blood flow, meaning that when portal venous flow decreases, hepatic arterial flow increases, and vice versa. This is part of the hepatic arterial buffer response, which is essential for maintaining a consistent hepatic blood flow (HBF).
Increased portal venous pressure can lead to the development of:
A. Renal stones
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Esophageal and gastric varices
D. Pancreatic insufficiency
Answer: C. Esophageal and gastric varices
Rationale: When portal venous pressure rises, it can cause blood to back up into other areas of the systemic circulation. This often results in the development of esophageal and gastric varices, which are enlarged veins in the esophagus and stomach that pose a risk for bleeding.
Autoregulation of hepatic blood flow ensures:
A. An increase in hepatic artery dilation with an increase in portal venous flow
B. A decrease in hepatic artery dilation with an increase in portal venous flow
C. Consistent hepatic arterial flow despite fluctuations in portal venous flow
D. An increase in portal venous flow with a decrease in hepatic arterial flow
Answer: C. Consistent hepatic arterial flow despite fluctuations in portal venous flow
Rationale: Hepatic blood flow is autoregulated, which means the liver can maintain a constant blood flow even when there are changes in portal venous flow. When portal flow is low, the hepatic artery dilates to compensate, ensuring the liver receives sufficient blood supply.
The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is a clinical measurement used to assess:
A. Kidney function
B. Heart function
C. Severity of portal hypertension
D. Lung perfusion
Answer: C. Severity of portal hypertension
Rationale: HVPG is the gradient between the portal vein and hepatic veins and is used specifically to determine the severity of portal hypertension, with higher values indicating more severe disease.
Which HVPG range indicates clinically significant portal hypertension that may lead to complications such as cirrhosis and esophageal varices?
A. 1-5 mmHg
B. >5-10 mmHg
C. >10 mmHg
D. >12 mmHg
Answer: C. >10 mmHg
Rationale: An HVPG measurement greater than 10 mmHg is considered clinically significant portal hypertension and is associated with complications like cirrhosis and esophageal varices.
When HVPG exceeds 12 mmHg, there is an increased risk for which serious complication?
A. Cholecystitis
B. Variceal rupture
C. Hepatic encephalopathy
D. Ascites
Answer: B. Variceal rupture
Rationale: An HVPG greater than 12 mmHg is associated with an increased risk of variceal rupture, which is a life-threatening event requiring immediate medical attention.
In the assessment of liver function, which of the following is considered a major risk factor?
A. Heavy ethanol (ETOH) consumption
B. High calcium intake
C. Physical inactivity
D. High carbohydrate diet
Answer: A. Heavy ethanol (ETOH) consumption
Rationale: Heavy alcohol consumption is a well-known risk factor for liver disease and is a critical aspect to consider when assessing liver function.
Which of the following symptoms is likely to be observed in the early stages of liver disease - select all ?
A. Pruritis
B. Jaundice
C. Disrupted sleep
D. Hepatomegaly
E. disrupted sleep
answer: ABCDE, Even later stages may only have vague sx s/a disrupted sleep,↓appetite
The presence of asterixis, a flapping tremor of the hands, is associated with:
A. Renal dysfunction
B. Severe metabolic acidosis
C. Advanced liver disease
D. Diabetes mellitus
Answer: C. Advanced liver disease
Rationale: Asterixis is typically associated with advanced liver disease and is an important sign during a physical examination indicating potential hepatic encephalopathy.
Which laboratory tests are most liver-specific according to the provided information?
A. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine
C. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
D. Platelet count and White Blood Cell (WBC) count
Answer: A. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
Rationale: AST and ALT are enzymes that are found in high levels within liver cells and are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged, making them specific indicators for liver function.
What imaging modality is useful for assessing portal blood flow in the liver?
A. X-ray
B. Doppler Ultrasound
C. MRI without contrast
D. Standard Ultrasound
Answer: B. Doppler Ultrasound
Rationale: Doppler Ultrasound is specifically mentioned for evaluating portal blood flow because it can measure the speed and direction of blood flow, providing valuable information about the liver’s vascular system.
A. 1:1
B. At least 2:1
C. Less than 1:1
D. Equal to the level of alkaline phosphatase
Answer: B. At least 2:1
Rationale: The slide indicates that in alcoholic liver disease, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio is usually at least 2:1, which is a pattern seen in this condition due to the specific effect of alcohol on the liver.
Which condition is associated with a significant increase in AST/ALT, potentially up to 25 times the normal value?
A. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
B. Chronic hepatitis B
C. Acute Liver Failure (ALF)
D. Cholestasis
Answer: C. Acute Liver Failure (ALF)
Rationale: Acute Liver Failure may show a dramatic increase in liver enzymes, such as AST and ALT, which can be elevated up to 25 times above the normal levels due to extensive liver damage.
What lab findings are indicative of cholestasis?
A. Decreased albumin and decreased prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR)
B. Elevated alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and bilirubin
C. Elevated AST/ALT with normal bilirubin
D. Normal alkaline phosphatase with elevated bilirubin
Answer: B. Elevated alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and bilirubin
Rationale: Cholestasis, a condition where bile flow from the liver is reduced or blocked, is often indicated by elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, GGT, and bilirubin.