Liver Disease
This organ is known as the “Detox Diva” because it processes alcohol, drugs, and toxins.
What is the liver?
Normal intracranial pressure range.
5–15 mmHg
What is status epilepticus?
A continuous seizure lasting >5 minutes, medical emergency
Difference between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
Conductive = obstruction; Sensorineural = inner ear/nerve damage
Difference between delirium and dementia
Delirium = acute/reversible; Dementia = chronic/progressive
Name one clinical manifestation of liver disease
Jaundice, ascites, or bleeding tendencies
Early signs of increased ICP.
Headache, projectile vomiting, LOC changes, restlessness
What should you NOT do during a seizure?
Do not restrain or place objects in mouth
Example of a common age-related vision disorder
Cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma
One reversible cause of delirium.
Infection, medications, metabolic imbalance
What diagnostic test measures liver injury by checking AST/ALT levels?
Liver function tests (LFTs)
AST/ALT
Late sign of increased ICP known as the “eviction notice.”
Cushing’s triad (bradycardia, irregular respirations, widened pulse pressure)
Name one first-line anti-seizure medication
Phenytoin, valproic acid, levetiracetam
Priority teaching for a patient with glaucoma
Lifelong eye drops (timolol), avoid activities that ↑ IOP
Early sign of Alzheimer’s disease
Memory loss affecting daily life
Nursing priorities for cirrhosis include monitoring for what life-threatening complication?
Esophageal varices/bleeding
Priority nursing position for ICP.
HOB 30° with neutral alignment
Key nursing priority during a tonic-clonic seizure
Maintain airway, side-lying, oxygen, protect from injury
Which cranial nerve is involved in hearing?
CN VIII – Vestibulocochlear
Nursing priority for dementia patients with wandering behavior
Ensure safety – secure environment, ID bracelets
The liver stores this polysaccharide form of glucose.
What is glycogen?
What medication pulls fluid from brain tissue to reduce ICP?
Mannitol (osmotic diuretic)
What is the postictal state?
Period after seizure with confusion, fatigue, disorientation
Nursing safety precaution for hearing-impaired patients
Face patient, speak clearly, use written instructions if needed
What is sundowning?
Increased confusion/agitation in the evening in dementia patients