NUR 201 MED SURG 2 - LIVER DISORDERS QUESTIONS
WITH ACCURATE ANSWERS
ammonia correct answer 10-80 mcg/dL
- a byproduct of protein break down by the liver, which then converts ammonia to
urea
ascites correct answer build up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
assessment for ascites correct answer - record abdominal girth : mark location of
tape for consistency
- weight daily
- pt may have striae, distended veins, umbilical hernia
- ASSESS for fluid in abdominal cavity by percussion for shifting dullness or by fluid
wave
- monitor for potential fluid and electrolyte imbalances
balloon tamponade correct answer - use of balloons placed within the esophagus
and proximal portion of the stomach and inflated to compress bleeding vessels
(esophageal and gastric varices)
* not used much anymore
biliary cirrhosis correct answer - associated w/ chronic biliary obstruction &
infection
- diffuse fibrosis of liver
- jaundice is the MAIN feature
,Bilirubin correct answer orange-yellow pigment in bile
- formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin when red blood cells are destroyed
- Normal value : 0.2-1.2 mg/dL
briefly describe each stage of liver disease correct answer - healthy : works like it
should
- fatty : deposits of fat lead to liver enlargement
- liver fibrosis : scar tissues form
- cirrhosis : growth of connective tissue destroys liver cells
cardiac cirrhosis correct answer ** from long-standing severe right-sided heart
failure
- inducing necrosis and fibrosis due to lack of blood flow
- results in an enlarged, edematous, congested liver
- the liver becomes anoxic, resulting in liver cell necrosis and fibrosis
causes of hepatitis correct answer - virus
- bacteria
- exposure to medications or hepatotoxins
**most commonly caused by viral infection
coagulation defects that occur as a complication of cirrhosis correct answer a lack
of vitamin K absorption & decreased clotting factors
complications of cirrhosis correct answer - portal HTN
, - esophageal varices
- ascites
- coagulation defects
- jaundice
- hepatorenal syndrome
- hepatic encephalopathy
Contraindications of a liver transplant correct answer - severe cardiopulmonary
disease
- irreversible cerebral injury
- sepsis or active infection
- HIV/AIDS
- extra-hepatic malignancy
- vascular
- active alcohol or drug usage
- psychosocial issues
diagnostic test for cirrhosis correct answer - ultrasound
- laparoscopy if malignancy is suspected
discharge instructions for esophageal varices to prevent rupture correct answer -
instruct pt to chew food completely b4 swallowing
- NO alcohol, carbonated bevs, or food w/ jagged edges
- treat URIs early to minimize coughing
- take antiemetics if nauseated to prevent vomiting
WITH ACCURATE ANSWERS
ammonia correct answer 10-80 mcg/dL
- a byproduct of protein break down by the liver, which then converts ammonia to
urea
ascites correct answer build up of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
assessment for ascites correct answer - record abdominal girth : mark location of
tape for consistency
- weight daily
- pt may have striae, distended veins, umbilical hernia
- ASSESS for fluid in abdominal cavity by percussion for shifting dullness or by fluid
wave
- monitor for potential fluid and electrolyte imbalances
balloon tamponade correct answer - use of balloons placed within the esophagus
and proximal portion of the stomach and inflated to compress bleeding vessels
(esophageal and gastric varices)
* not used much anymore
biliary cirrhosis correct answer - associated w/ chronic biliary obstruction &
infection
- diffuse fibrosis of liver
- jaundice is the MAIN feature
,Bilirubin correct answer orange-yellow pigment in bile
- formed by the breakdown of hemoglobin when red blood cells are destroyed
- Normal value : 0.2-1.2 mg/dL
briefly describe each stage of liver disease correct answer - healthy : works like it
should
- fatty : deposits of fat lead to liver enlargement
- liver fibrosis : scar tissues form
- cirrhosis : growth of connective tissue destroys liver cells
cardiac cirrhosis correct answer ** from long-standing severe right-sided heart
failure
- inducing necrosis and fibrosis due to lack of blood flow
- results in an enlarged, edematous, congested liver
- the liver becomes anoxic, resulting in liver cell necrosis and fibrosis
causes of hepatitis correct answer - virus
- bacteria
- exposure to medications or hepatotoxins
**most commonly caused by viral infection
coagulation defects that occur as a complication of cirrhosis correct answer a lack
of vitamin K absorption & decreased clotting factors
complications of cirrhosis correct answer - portal HTN
, - esophageal varices
- ascites
- coagulation defects
- jaundice
- hepatorenal syndrome
- hepatic encephalopathy
Contraindications of a liver transplant correct answer - severe cardiopulmonary
disease
- irreversible cerebral injury
- sepsis or active infection
- HIV/AIDS
- extra-hepatic malignancy
- vascular
- active alcohol or drug usage
- psychosocial issues
diagnostic test for cirrhosis correct answer - ultrasound
- laparoscopy if malignancy is suspected
discharge instructions for esophageal varices to prevent rupture correct answer -
instruct pt to chew food completely b4 swallowing
- NO alcohol, carbonated bevs, or food w/ jagged edges
- treat URIs early to minimize coughing
- take antiemetics if nauseated to prevent vomiting
