Expected labs of alcoholic HE
A test that can monitor the function of the liver
What is the liver function test; LFT
Intervention related to hydration and electrolyte imbalances in alcoholic hepatic encephalopathy
What is giving IV D51/2NS with 20 mEq of KCl
Patient is 'wasting'; thin skin, loss of subcutaneous fat, low body weight.
what is cachectic (patient presenting with cachexia is concerning for his nutritional status because patient is obviously not consuming an adequate diet. This could lead to electrolyte imbalance, fluid imbalances, vitamin deficiency, and dysrhythmias)
patient is displaying upsetness
what is agitation and restlessness
"Isn't this his own fault?"
Expected WLP is 15-45 mcg/dL and is elevated in liver dysfunction
What is ammonia?
John Doe presents with ammonia level of 155 mcg/dL which indicates damage to the liver and can cause severe confusion in the patient.
position when HOB elevated at 30-45 degree
what is Fowlers position
accumulation of fluid in interstitial space, noticed in extremities
what is peripheral edema
blowing Chunks and feeling ick
what is nausea and vomiting
"He isn't worth the time or money"
We as nurses should check in with ourselves and evaluate our own personal biases.
BAL >80 mg/dL
What is ETOH intoxication?
Our patient presents with BAC of 320, indicating alcohol intoxication. 300-400 can be fatal due to respiratory depression. Alcoholics can function as normal with 150 mg/dL.
Interventions related to I/Os of alcoholic HE
What is foley the holey and NGT LCS
Dilated veins across the abdomen
FUN FACT
Alcohol abuse can be fatal (maybe)
BAL 300 to 400 mg/dL can be fatal due to respiratory depression.
"Why don't we just let him die?"
We have a duty as medical providers to not do that. We have a duty to do no harm.
WLP is 6.0 - 8.3 g/dL and is often decreased in HE
What is total protein?
John Doe presents with total protein levels of 5.2 g/dL. Total proteins consists of albumin and globulin which are both proteins produced in the liver, this indicates liver damage.
Medication given to decrease ammonia levels and prevent constipation
What is Lactulose (lactulose works to excrete ammonia which decreases the amount of ammonia in the body)
small spider-like ruptured blood vessels on the abdomen
what is spider angiomas
temperature up to 100.4-102.2 degrees F
what is a low grade fever
1(800)662-4357
What is the SAMHSA National Helpline
WLP is 3.4 - 5.4 g/dL, often decreased in HE
What is Albumin?
John Doe presents with an albumin level of 2.1 g/dL. Albumin is made in the liver which indicates liver damage.
Class of medication given to alcoholics related to poor nutritional intake
what is Vitamins (specifically Vitamin B1 Thyamine, B9, B6, K; alcoholics do not intake or absorb adequate nutrition including vitamins and have a deficiency. This is an important deficiency to correct in order to help enzyme function related to oxygen, energy, and nutrients throughout the body) Extra Credit: deficiency of B1 (Thyamine) can cause Wernicke's Encephalopathy which effects memory and speech.
distended abdomen, short of breath, jaundice
What is ascites (ascites can be further assessed with palpation with firm findings expected, ask patient medical history to determine MOI, diagnosed with ultrasound which is a stat intervention)
HTN, tremors, tachycardia, hallucinations, decrease LOC, extreme diaphoresis, vomiting, seizure, coma, DEATH
What are signs and symptoms of severe delirium tremens
"Why are we wasting time with this 'wino'?"
You're right, let's go to the bar
This is not a therapeutic response