Priority patients
This cirrhosis complication is the reason a confused patient MUST be seen first?
Hepatic encephalopathy
A high level of this clotting lab makes bleeding your #1 concern?
PT/INR
This hand movement is an early warning sign in liver failure?
flapping tremor- asterixis
This action with a T-tube can cause bile backup and infection?
Clamping it
A liver transplant patient taking tacrolimus reports new tremors and headache. What is the priority action?
Notify the provider of possible toxicity, need to check drug levels.
This electrolyte problem in pancreatitis makes tingling lips a top priority?
Hypocalcemia
This pancreatic enzyme, when trending upward, means worsening autodigestion?
lipase
This combo of fever + RUQ pain after gallbladder surgery means trouble?
Bile leak or infection
This common pain reliever is off-limits for hepatitis or cirrhosis patients?
acetaminophen
A patient taking cyclosporine should be taught to avoid which food?
Grapefruit
Acute pancreatitis
This electrolyte dropping in pancreatitis can cause tetany and seizures?
Calcium
This abdominal bruising sign in pancreatitis warns of internal bleeding?
Cullen's sign
This "harmless" thing, often allowed in other NPO cases, can still stimulate the pancreas to release enzymes?
Ice chips, patient must be STRICT NPO
Which assessment finding in a transplant patient indicates the anti-rejection medication is NOT working?
Decreased UOP
This finding in cholecystitis turns a stable patient into an emergency?
A rigid, board-like abdomen
This positive lab means a patient has active hepatitis B?
HBsAg
This pair of stool/urine changes signals liver obstruction or worsening hepatitis?
Pale stools and dark urine
This drug class must be avoided or minimized in cirrhosis due to risk of over sedation?
benzodiazepines
A patient on long-term immunosuppressants is at increased risk for?
Infection
This post-liver biopsy complication is suggested by tachycardia and hypotension?
Internal hemorrhage.
This type of bilirubin elevates when the bile duct is obstructed?
Direct bilirubin
This change in a transplant patient, even before fever, suggests possible rejection?
Decreased UOP
This habit must be absolute eliminated in hepatitis?
Drinking alcohol
Which teaching is MOST important for a patient starting tacrolimus?
Take it at the same time every day