Hepatic Disorders
A patient with cirrhosis develops confusion, asterixis, and elevated ammonia. The nurse prepares to administer this medication.
What is lactulose?
A patient with chronic widespread pain, fatigue, non‑restorative sleep, and “fibro fog” is likely experiencing this condition managed with low‑impact exercise and sleep hygiene.
What is fibromyalgia?
A patient with massive ascites reports shortness of breath. The nurse’s priority intervention is to place the patient in this position.
What is high Fowler’s position?
A patient with a warm, swollen knee and fever cannot bear weight. The nurse knows this condition requires immediate administration of this therapy.
What are IV antibiotics?
Before a paracentesis, the nurse instructs the patient to do this to reduce the risk of bladder puncture.
What is void (empty the bladder)?
A patient with sudden severe joint pain and redness in the big toe is advised to avoid alcohol, dehydration, and purine‑rich foods to prevent flares of this condition.
What is gout?
A patient with cirrhosis has portal hypertension and large esophageal varices. The nurse anticipates this medication to reduce portal pressure and prevent bleeding.
What are beta blockers (propranolol)?
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis reports severe morning stiffness. The nurse recommends this intervention to reduce discomfort.
What is applying warm heat or taking a warm shower?
This type of hepatitis is transmitted through blood and sexual contact and can be prevented with a vaccine.
What is hepatitis B?
A patient with a butterfly rash, photosensitivity, joint pain, and nephritis is likely experiencing this autoimmune disorder.
What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
A patient asks how they contracted hepatitis C. The nurse explains it is transmitted primarily through this route.
What is blood exposure?
A patient on lactulose for encephalopathy becomes dehydrated. The nurse monitors this electrolyte closely due to risk of depletion.
What is potassium?
Daily weights, abdominal girth measurements, sodium restriction, and monitoring for hypotension are essential nursing interventions for this fluid‑related complication of liver disease.
What is ascites?
Skin thickening, Raynaud’s phenomenon, dysphagia, and life‑threatening renal crisis are hallmark features of this connective tissue disorder.
What is scleroderma (systemic sclerosis)?
A patient with cirrhosis has prolonged PT/INR and frequent bruising. The nurse understands this occurs because the liver cannot synthesize these proteins.
What are clotting factors?
A patient with jaundice reports severe itching. The nurse recommends this intervention to reduce skin irritation.
What is using cool water and moisturizing lotions?
This type of hepatitis spreads through the fecal‑oral route and is prevented through hand hygiene and vaccination.
What is hepatitis A?
A patient with sudden severe joint pain, fever, inability to bear weight, and a warm swollen joint requires immediate IV antibiotics for this emergency condition.
What is septic arthritis?
A patient with scleroderma presents with sudden severe hypertension and headache. The nurse anticipates administering this medication class.
What are ACE inhibitors?
A patient with chronic hepatitis C asks about treatment. The nurse explains that this class of medications can cure the infection.
What are direct‑acting antivirals?