Nursing Care Of Patients With Gallbladder, Liver, and Pancreatic Disorders

Question 1

Biliary Colic

Answer 1

A severe, steady pain in the epigastric region or right upper quadrant of the abdomen.

Question 2

Cholelithiasis

Answer 2

The formation of stones (calculi or gallstones) within the gallbladder or biliary duct system.

Question 3

Cholecystitis

Answer 3

Inflammation of the gallbladder

Question 4

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Answer 4

Removal of the gallbladder

Question 5

Ascites

Answer 5

Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen

Question 6

Jaundice

Answer 6

Yellow staining of tissues (icterus)

Question 7

Portal hypertension

Answer 7

Elevated pressure in the portal venous system that causes rerouting of the blood to adjoining lower pressure vessels.

Question 8

Esophageal Varices

Answer 8

The dilated, congested vessels in the esophagus

Question 9

Splenomegaly

Answer 9

Enlarged spleen

Question 10

Hypoalbuminemia

Answer 10

Low serum albumin levels

Question 11

Portal Systemic Encephalopathy

Answer 11

(Hepatic encephalopathy) Impaired consciousness and mental status due to the accumulation of toxic waste products in the blood (ammonia in particular) as blood bypasses the congested liver

Question 12

Hepatitis

Answer 12

Inflammation of the liver

Question 13

Paracentesis

Answer 13

Aspiration of fluid from the peritoneal cavity may be diagnostic or therapeutic procedure

Question 14

Pancreatitis

Answer 14

Inflammation of the pancreas

Question 15

Steatorrhea

Answer 15

Fatty, frothy, foul-smelling stools caused by a decrease in pancreatic enzyme secretions

Question 16

Cirrhosis

Answer 16

Characterized by fibrosis of liver tissue leading to decreased mass, impaired liver functioning, and altered blood flow.