Liver Flashcards

(84 cards)

1
Q

What does hypertension lead to?

A

Hypertension leads to blood seeking alternative pathways.

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2
Q

What are esophageal varices?

A

Pouches in the esophagus filled with blood due to high pressure.

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3
Q

What is the risk associated with esophageal varices?

A

High risk of hemorrhage and mortality, with a 70% chance of re-bleeding after the initial episode and a mortality rate up to 50%.

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4
Q

What are key assessments for esophageal varices?

A

Patient history of varices and monitoring for hematemesis, blood in stool, tachycardia, hypotension, continuous swallowing, and mental status changes.

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5
Q

What is the emergency treatment for bleeding esophageal varices?

A

Rapid action required to manage bleeding.

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6
Q

What medications are used for bleeding esophageal varices?

A

Beta blockers (e.g., carbetilol, propanolol), vasopressin, and Sandostatin.

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7
Q

What is variceal banding?

A

Bands placed around varices to stop bleeding.

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8
Q

What is sclerotherapy?

A

Injection of sclerosing agent at the base of varicea.

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9
Q

What is balloon tamponade?

A

Tube insertion to apply pressure and stop bleeding.

Complications include airway obstruction; intubation often required.

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10
Q

What nursing management should be done for patients with esophageal varices?

A

Avoid strain, monitor vital signs, blood volume replacement, and use NG tube carefully.

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11
Q

What is hepatic encephalopathy?

A

Increased ammonia and toxins due to liver dysfunction.

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12
Q

What are the symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy?

A

Confusion, apathy, slurred speech, asterixis, and musty breath (fetor hepaticus).

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13
Q

What are risk factors for hepatic encephalopathy?

A

High protein diet, infection, GI bleeding, and certain medications.

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14
Q

What precautions should be taken in managing hepatic encephalopathy?

A

Fall and seizure precautions.

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15
Q

What dietary management is needed for hepatic encephalopathy?

A

Protein management based on ammonia levels.

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16
Q

What medical treatments are used for hepatic encephalopathy?

A

Antibiotics like metronidazole and lactulose to reduce ammonia absorption.

Monitor for diarrhea and dehydration.

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17
Q

What are complications of hepatic dysfunction?

A

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, coagulation defects, and hepatorenal syndrome.

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18
Q

What are key takeaways from the lecture on hypertension and liver dysfunction?

A

Monitoring and early intervention are crucial to manage complications, and communication and history-taking are essential in preventing complications.

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19
Q

What is the liver’s role as a vital organ?

A

The liver performs over 400 functions.

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20
Q

What are the consequences of liver failure?

A

Leads to severe sickness, cognitive issues, skin edema, and more.

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21
Q

What is the physical description of the liver?

A

Weighs approximately 3 pounds and is slightly smaller than a football.

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22
Q

What is the function of bile production in the liver?

A

Aids in digestion.

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23
Q

What does the liver produce for blood plasma?

A

Produces albumin.

Lack of albumin leads to edema and ascites.

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24
Q

What is one of the liver’s functions related to cholesterol?

A

Cholesterol production.

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25
How does the liver contribute to the immune system?
Removes bacteria from the bloodstream.
26
What is the liver's role in glucose management?
Stores glucose as glycogen.
27
How does the liver maintain iron balance?
Processes hemoglobin.
28
What does the liver convert to prevent hepatic encephalopathy?
Converts ammonia to urea.
29
What is the liver's role in drug clearance?
Regulates blood clotting.
30
What does the liver do with bilirubin?
Clears bilirubin to prevent jaundice.
31
What are the normal total bilirubin levels?
0.3 to 1.
32
What does elevated direct bilirubin indicate?
Indicates conjugated bilirubin.
33
What should urine bilirubin levels be?
Should be less than 1.
34
What can elevate AST levels?
Elevated by MIs, pancreatitis, burns.
35
What does an elevated ALT level indicate?
Indicates liver inflammation.
36
What are the risks associated with liver dysfunction?
Clotting and platelet issues leading to risk of bleeding.
37
What happens to albumin levels in liver dysfunction?
Decreased levels lead to edema.
38
What are the normal ammonia levels?
Should be low (15 to 45).
39
What causes cirrhosis?
Repeated liver scarring.
40
How much damage can the liver regenerate?
The liver can regenerate up to 80% damage.
41
What are the main causes of cirrhosis?
Alcohol, viral or autoimmune hepatitis (Hep C), drugs and toxins (e.g., Tylenol), gallbladder disease, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
42
What is jaundice?
Yellowing of skin and eyes. ## Footnote Symptoms include anorexia, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools.
43
What is portal hypertension?
Caused by blood pressure buildup due to cirrhotic liver.
44
What complications can arise from portal hypertension?
Leads to esophageal varices and ascites.
45
What are some treatments for portal hypertension?
Low sodium diet, diuretics, bed rest, paracentesis, TIPS procedure.
46
What are the symptoms of ascites?
Increased abdominal girth, rapid weight gain, shortness of breath.
47
How is ascites managed?
Low sodium diet, cautious use of diuretics, albumin administration, bed rest and semi-Fowler’s position, frequent vital sign checks, paracentesis if needed.
48
What is a useful analogy for portal hypertension?
Similar to a kinked water hose.
49
What should be monitored in liver intervention?
Fluid intake, daily weights, and abdominal girth.
50
What additional care should be provided during liver intervention?
Administer necessary supplements and monitor electrolyte levels.
51
What is the recommended break duration before continuing a lecture?
10-minute break.
52
What is the focus of the study on liver anatomy?
Understanding liver anatomy and function is important for recognizing various liver conditions like cirrhosis and jaundice.
53
What is the role of the hepatic artery?
The hepatic artery brings oxygenated blood from the heart to the liver.
54
What is the function of the portal vein?
The portal vein brings deoxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the GI tract, spleen, and pancreas to the liver.
55
What are the main functions of the liver?
The liver regulates blood chemical levels and excretes bile.
56
How does the liver handle glucose metabolism?
The liver converts glucose to glycogen post-meal and converts glycogen back to glucose when needed.
57
What is ammonia conversion in the liver?
The liver converts ammonia, a byproduct of glucose synthesis, to urea for excretion.
58
What is the liver's role in protein metabolism?
The liver synthesizes plasma proteins, including clotting factors and proteins like fibrinogen and vitamin K.
59
How does the liver metabolize fats?
The liver breaks down fatty acids for energy and excretes ketones.
60
What does the liver store?
The liver stores vitamins A, D, E, K, iron, and copper.
61
What is the function of bile in the liver?
Bile aids in fat digestion, and bilirubin processing involves conjugation for excretion.
62
What is the significance of drug metabolism in the liver?
The liver metabolizes medications, alcohol, and toxins, which is especially important for elderly or liver disease patients.
63
What does an increased total bilirubin level indicate?
Increased total bilirubin levels may indicate possible hemolysis, obstruction, or liver damage.
64
What do elevated AST and ALT levels indicate?
Elevated AST and ALT levels may indicate liver inflammation or damage.
65
What can low albumin levels indicate?
Low albumin levels can cause edema and indicate liver disease or malnutrition.
66
What does increased ammonia levels indicate?
Increased ammonia levels can indicate liver dysfunction.
67
What are the types of cirrhosis?
Types of cirrhosis include alcoholic, viral, autoimmune hepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is common in diabetics.
68
What are some complications of cirrhosis?
Complications of cirrhosis include jaundice, portal hypertension, ascites, and esophageal varices.
69
What causes jaundice?
Jaundice is caused by bilirubin buildup due to the liver's inability to process it.
70
What are the symptoms of jaundice?
Symptoms of jaundice include yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and clay-colored stools.
71
How is jaundice managed?
Management of jaundice focuses on symptom relief and monitoring liver function.
72
What is portal hypertension?
Portal hypertension is defined as increased pressure in the portal venous system.
73
What complications arise from portal hypertension?
Complications include ascites and varices due to obstructed blood flow.
74
How is portal hypertension managed?
Management includes a low sodium diet, diuretics, monitoring, and paracentesis.
75
What causes ascites?
Ascites is caused by fluid buildup due to the liver not processing blood.
76
What are the symptoms of ascites?
Symptoms of ascites include abdominal distension and weight gain.
77
What is the medical management for ascites?
Medical management includes a low sodium diet, diuretics, and paracentesis.
78
What is paracentesis?
Paracentesis is a procedure used for temporary fluid relief.
79
What is the TIP procedure?
The TIP procedure involves placing a shunt to reduce pressure; monitoring for hepatic encephalopathy is necessary.
80
What should nursing management include for liver patients?
Nursing management should include monitoring abdominal girth, weight, respiratory status, and ensuring nutritional and fluid balance.
81
What labs should be monitored in liver patients?
Labs to monitor include vitamins, potassium, sodium, BUN, and ammonia.
82
Why are liver functions crucial?
Liver functions are crucial for overall metabolism and detoxification.
83
What can complications of liver functions arise from?
Complications can arise from various causes, including lifestyle and genetic factors.
84
Why is it important to recognize liver symptoms?
Recognizing liver symptoms is important for timely medical intervention.