LIVER LEGENDS
This chronic disease causes fibrosis and scarring of the liver
What is cirrhosis
Inflammation of the gallbladder
What is cholecystitis
The nurse suspects pancreatitis when the patient reports nausea and vomiting that are not relieved by these common over-the-counter medications.
What are antacids
Vomiting of blood from the stomach or esophagus
What is hematemesis
The correct order for abdominal assessment
What is inspect, auscultate, percuss, palpate
This yellow discoloration of skin and eyes is caused by elevated bilirubin
What is jaundice
The presence of gallstones in the gallbladder
What is cholelithiasis
This enzyme is the most specific indicator of pancreatitis and can stay elevated for up to a week.
What is lipase
Coughing up blood from the lungs or airways
What is hemoptysis
This lab value rises in both pancreatitis and gallbladder disease
What is amylase
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen due to portal hypertension
What is ascites
Pain radiating to the right shoulder after eating fatty foods
What is biliary colic
Low calcium in pancreatitis is caused by this process
What is saponification
Dark, tarry stools caused by digested blood
What is melena
In dark-skinned patients, jaundice is best assessed here
What is the sclera or oral mucosa
Medication given to lower ammonia levels in liver failure
What is lactulose
A positive test when pain occurs on inspiration during RUQ palpation
What is Murphy’s sign
Classic symptoms include severe epigastric pain radiating to the back
What is acute pancreatitis
Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
What is coffee-ground emesis
The best diet for a client recovering from cholecystitis
What is a low-fat diet
Elevated levels of this substance cause confusion and asterixis
What is ammonia
This color of stool suggests a bile duct obstruction
What is clay-colored
This electrolyte is commonly low in pancreatitis
What is calcium
In a patient with active GI bleeding, this is the first nursing priority.
What is maintain airway and circulation
After an abdominal surgery, this nursing intervention helps prevent respiratory complications and promotes lung expansion
What is using an incentive spirometer