Exam #5 (chp 58-59) Flashcards
(102 cards)
What is cirrhosis?
Cirrhosis is extensive, irreversible scarring of the liver; characterized by fibrotic (scarred) bands of connective tissue
A chronic reaction to hepatic inflammation and necrosis- results in extensive degeneration and destruction of hepatocytes (liver cells).
Develops slowly and is progressive- results in end stage liver disease.
What are common causes of Cirrhosis?
The most common causes of cirrhosis are:
- chronic alcoholism
- chronic viral hepatitis
- autoimmune hepatitis
- NonAlcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) (fatty liver)
- Drug and chemical toxins
- Gallbladder disease
- Metabolic/genetic causes
- Cardiovascular disease
What is the pathophysiology of cirrhosis?
As cirrhosis develops, the tissues becomes nodular, the nodules can block bile ducts and blow flow. Impairments in blood flow and lymph flow result from compression caused by excessive fibrous tissue. (Scarring)
Early- the liver is enlarged, firm and hard. Over time the liver shrinks resulting in decreased liver function- results in elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT)
What are complications associated with cirrhosis?
Compensated cirrhosis: the liver is scarred but can still function.
Decompensated cirrhosis: liver function is impaired, obvious manifestations of liver failure
- portal hypertension
- ascites and esophageal varices
- coagulation defects
- jaundice
- Portal Systemic Encephalopathy (PSE) with hepatic coma
- hepatorenal syndrome
- spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
What is portal hypertension?
(Associated with decompensated cirrhosis)
Portal hypertension is a persistent increase in the portal vein pressure, greater than 5mm/Hg
It results from increased resistance or obstruction of the blood flow through the portal veins and it’s branches.
Can result in ascites, esophageal varices, prominent abdominal veins, and hemorrhoids.
What is splenomegaly?
Spleen enlargement caused by blood flow backing up into the spleen.
Destroys platelets, causing thrombocytopenia (low platelets) and increased r/f bleeding
THROMBOCYTOPENIA is the first sign of liver dysfunction
What is ascites?
Ascites is a collection of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity caused by increased hydrostatic pressure from portal hypertension.
plasma protein collects in the perineal fluid– decreases circulating plasma protein in the blood– in addition, the liver cannot produce albumin properly– the colloid pressure decreases= shift of vascular fluid to the abdomen “third spacing”
Pt may present: hypovolemia and edema
Massive ascites: causes renal vasoconstriction — triggers renin angiotensin system= results in sodium and water retention. (Causes hydrostatic pressure, and more ascites)
What is esophageal varices?
Esophageal varices occurs when fragile, thin-walled esophageal veins become distended and tortuous from increased pressure.
The bleed depends on their size
Occurs most often in the distal esophagus= LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY
Severe blood loss can occur, leading to hypovolemia shock
Hematemesis- vomiting blood
Melena- black, tarry stools
No precipitating factor, heavy lifting, vigorous physical activity, chest trauma, or dry hard food increase likely hood of bleed
What is portal hypertensive gastropathy?
Portal hypertensive gastropathy is slow gastric mucosal bleeding, which results from chronic slow blood loss, occult positive stools, and anemia.
In patients with cirrhosis, why does biliary obstruction occur?
In patients with cirrhosis, bile production in the liver is decreased
– prevents absorption of fat soluble vitamins (D, E, A, K)
–lack of vitamin K, clotting factors 2,7,9,10 are insufficient
= increase r/f bleed and bruising
Confirmed by coagulation studies (PT/INR, PTT)
What is Jaundice? And how is it caused?
Jaundice is yellow discoloration of the skin, is caused by biliary obstruction.
Patients often report itching (pruritus)
2 types:
Hepatocellular- develops because the liver cells cannot effectively excrete bilirubin
Intrahepatic- results from edema, fibrosis, or scarring of the hepatic bile ducts and channels
What is hepatic encephalopathy? What are early and late Signs and Symptoms?
Hepatic encephalopathy aka Portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE) is a complex cognitive syndrome that results from liver failure and cirrhosis.
-reversible with early intervention
EARLY: sleep disturbances, mood disturbances, mental status changes, and speech problems
LATE: altered LOC, impaired thinking processes, and neuromuscular problems
What is the proposed mechanism of action for hepatic encephalopathy?
Shunting of the portal venous blood into the central circulation to bypass the liver, substances absorbed by the intestine are not broken down or detoxified and
= cause metabolic abnormalities
ELEVATED AMMONIA AND GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)
What are STAGE 1 Hepatic encephalopathy signs and symptoms?
- Subtitle manifestations that may not be recognized immediately
- personality changes
- behavior changes: agitation, belligerence
- emotional Labile: euphoria, depression
- impaired thinking
- inability to concentrate
- fatigue, drowsiness
- slurred or slowed speech
- sleep pattern disturbances
What are signs and symptoms of STAGE 2 hepatic encephalopathy?
- continuing mental changes
- mental confusion
- disorientation of time, place, or person
- Asterixis (hand flapping)
What are STAGE 3 hepatic encephalopathy signs and symptoms?
- progressive deterioration
- marked mental confusion
- stuporous, drowsy but not arousable
- abnormal EEG
- muscle twitching
- hyperreflexia
- Asterixis (hand flapping)
What are signs and symptoms of STAGE 4 hepatic encephalopathy?
- unresponsiveness, leading to death
- Unarousable, obtunded
- No response to painful stimuli
- NO Asterixis
- Positive Babinski’s sign
- Muscle rigidity
- fetor hepaticus (characteristics of liver death– musty, sweet odor)
- Seizures
What are factors that can lead to hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis?
High protein diet
Infection
Hypovolemia (decreased fluid volume)
Hypokalemia (decreased potassium)
Constipation
GI bleeding (causing large protein load in the intestines)
Drugs (hypnotics, sedatives, opioids, analgesics, diuretics, illicits)
What is hepatorenal syndrome (HRS)?
Hepatorenal syndrome indicates a poor prognosis for a pt with liver failure, can cause death
Manifested by:
- a sudden decrease in urine output (<500ml/24hr)
- elevated BUN and Cr levels with decreased urine Na+ levels
- increased urine osmolarity
Usually occurs after clinical deterioration following a GI bleed or hepatic encephalopathy
What is Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)?
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis is a result of bacteria in the ascites fluid and low concentrations of protein
Patients with cirrhosis and ascites may develop acute SBP
Patients with very advanced liver disease have increased susceptibility
Clinical manifestations:
Fever, chills, abdominal pain, and tenderness.
Increased Jaundice and loss of appetite
Dx with ascitic fluid via paracentesis, leukocyte count > 250 need Tx.
QUINOLONES- norfloxacin (Noroxin) drug of choice!
If allergic, use combo-drug Bactrim.
What is the etiology and genetic risks for Hepatitis C?
Second leading cause of cirrhosis and liver failure in US.
Hepatitis C is an infectious blood borne illness, causing inflammation leading to progressive scarring of the liver.
In combination with alcohol, progression speeds up
What is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver disease is associated with obesity, diabetes type 2, and metabolic syndrome.
Most common cause of liver disease in the world.
Genetic link to: Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3)
Hispanics more like to have.
May cause cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure.
What are the statistics of liver disease, according to the American Liver Foundation?
> 30 million have liver disease, 1 in 10 Americans
4 million Americans have Hepatitis C and >1 million have Hepatitis B
12th most common death in US; 28,000 die per year.
What are EARLY assessment findings associated with cirrhosis?
Fatigue
Significant change in weight
GI symptoms, anorexia and vomiting
ABDOMINAL pain and liver TENDERNESS