Liver Failure

Causes

100

This is also known as liquid courage and can cause people to make some pretty dicey decisions

ETOH

200

This virus is transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, but is easily prevented through early vaccination

Hepatitis B

300

This is the most common cause of fulminant liver failure in Western Europe and USA

Drug induced liver injury

400

This drug is the most common cause of drug induced liver inury

Acetominophen

500

This virus is often transmitted through sexual contact and IV drug use but can be treated with antiviral medication

Hepatitis C

Symptoms/Complications

100

This is caused by a build up of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in a yellowing of the skin and sclera

Jaundice

200

Patients experiencing this complication have a build up of ammonia and other toxins, resulting in an altered mental status which can even progress to a comatose state

Hepatic encephalopathy

300

These are enlarged veins caused by portal hypertension and are at high risk for rupture, leading 

Esophageal varices

400

This is a build up of fluid in the abdomen caused by venous congestion and low albumin levels

Ascites 

500

This can be seen in patients with advanced liver failure and is caused by portal hypertension and ascites, resulting in organ hypoperfusion. Symptoms include fatigue, decreased urine output, and elevated serum creatinine levels.

Hepatorenal Syndrome

Treatments

100

This liquid medication aids in minimizing the production and absorption of ammonia in the gut.

Lactulose

200

You would transfuse this first if your patient's Hemoglobin was less than 7 gm/dl

PRBC

300

This antibiotic stops the production of bacteria in the gut that produce toxins that can result in hepatic encephalopathy

Rifaxamin

400

This is given in medication form to aid in clotting of the blood, and can also be obtained naturally by consuming leafy green vegetables

Vitamin K

500

This is the only true treatment or cure for liver failure

Liver transplant

Nursing Considerations

100

Patients should be having 3-4 of these a day while on lactulose

Bowel movements

200

Due to the decreased ability to synthesize and store glycogen, this should be monitored closely in liver failure patients

Blood glucose

300

This should be measured daily since cirrhotic patients have low albumin levels, leading to an inability to regulate intervascular fluid

Weight

400

Due to a lack of clotting factors and, in some cases, the presence of esophageal varices, liver failure patients are an extreme risk for this

Bleeding

500

If a patient's mental status progressively declines, this may need to be considered to protect their airway

Intubation