Swollen Bellies
(Ascites)
(Ascites)
The term that describes fluid buildup in the abdomen due to liver failure.
What is ascites?
The substance build ups up in blod when the liver can't convert it to urea.
What is ammonia?
The second most common cause of cirrhosis is excessive use of this.
What is alcohol?
These two hepatitis viruses are commonly spread by contaminated food or water.
What is Hepatitis A & E?
The liver produces proteins essential for this body process.
What is blood clotting?
The hormone's buildup cause sodium and water retention leading to ascites.
What is aldosterone?
Name the medication that removes ammonia through the stool.
What is lactulose?
This herbal supplement may help with jaundice in liver disease.
What is milk thistle?
Are Hepatitis A and E acute or chronic?
What is acute?
Name one complication of coagulopathy.
What is thrombocytopenia, prolonged PT/INR, bruising, petechiae, or GI bleed?
Name on medication commonly prescribed to reduce ascites.
What is spironlactone or furosemide?
This antibiotic destroys ammonia-producing bacteria in the gut.
What is neomycin?
Cirrhosis can cause this dangerous increase or decrease in blood pressure.
What is variable blood pressure (high or low)?
This is the best way to prevent Hepatitis A.
What is the Hepatitis A vaccine?
This vitamin may be given to help with clotting.
What is vitamin K?
The invasive procedure removes fluid directly from the abdomen.
What is paracentesis?
What is the classic hand movement seen with hepatic encephalopathy?
What is asterixis (flapping tremor)?
List two dietary restrictions for cirrhosis patients.
What are low sodium and low protein diets?
List two symptoms common with Hepatitis A or E.
What are RUQ pain, N/V, dark urine, jaundice?
Which lab values should the nurse monitor closely for bleeding risk?
What are PT, PTT, INR, platelets?
Name two nursing interventions for ascites.
What are daily weights and measuring abdominal girth ever shift?
Name two nursing interventions for hepatic encephalopathy.
What are monitor LOC/orientation, fall precautions, monitor fluids/electrolytes?
Name three nursing interventions for cirrhosis.
What are monitor I&O, measure abdominal girth, daily weights, neuro checks, bleeding precautions?
List two travel safety tips to prevent Hepatitis A/E infection.
What are drink bottled water, use bottled water for brushing teeth, wash/cook food thoroughly?
What is one key nursing intervention for a patient with coagulopathy?
What are bleeding precautions?