NURSING NUR 265 Cirrhosis Case study STUDENT Copy

D.G. 57 years old, is admitted to your unit for observation from the emergency department (ED) with the diagnosis of cirrhosis with possible hepatic encephalopathy. He is lethargic, appears cachectic, and is mildly combative when aroused. He is jaundiced, with a notably distended abdomen. He is receiving an IV infusion of D5 ½ NS. 1. Briefly discuss the pathophysiology of cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is late stage scarring of the liver tissue. It can be cause by multiple things such as hepatitis and alcoholism. Each time the liver is damage by the disease it tries to repair itself thus causing the build-up of scar tissue. As more and more scar tissue forms, the liver function becomes impaired. This then cause slow blood flow which then increases blood pressure. The increase pressure can also cause edema and ascites. 2. What are the common causes of cirrhosis? Common causes of cirrhosis include alcoholism, hepatitis, fatty liver, iron build up in the body, cystic fibrosis, poorly formed or damaged bile ducts, genetic disorders, autoimmune disorders, infections such as syphilis, and medications.