-late stage of scarring of the liver. Each time the liver is injured it tries to repair itself. In the process, scar tissue forms. As cirrhosis progresses, more and more scar tissue form, making it difficult for the liver to function. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the liver’s ability to process nutrients, hormones, and toxins.
Causes
- Cystic fibrosis
- Autoimmunediseases
- Chronic hepatitis
- Fatty liver disease
- Hemochromatosis
- Wilson’s disease
- Biliary atresia
- Infection
- Medications
Risk Factors
o Alcohol.
o Being overweight.
o Having hepatitis.
o Have diabetes.
o Inject drugs using shared needles.
o Have a history of liver disease.
o Have unprotected sex.
| Complications |
|---|
| • *Portal hypertension: an increase in the pressure in your portal vein. When blood flow through veins is partially blocked, veins in your esophagus, stomach or intestines can cause varices • Edema • Ascites • Splenomegaly • Hepatic encephalopathy |
Treatments of portal hypertension
• Giving beta blockers or nitrates to lower blood pressure in your veins.
• Band ligation
• Shunts
• Lactulose
• Paracentesis
Prevention
Do not drink alcohol
Eat a healthy diet
Maintain a healthy weight Reduce your risk of hepatitis
Diagnosis
o Lower than normal levels of albumin and blood clotting factors
o AST and ALT
o Iron
o A liver biopsy
o Bilirubin level High
o White blood cell count
o High creatinine level
o Imaging tests
Nursing Interventions & Treatments
| ▪ Treatment for alcohol dependency ▪ Weight loss ▪ Medications to control hepatitis ▪ Liver transplant ▪ Shunting surgery ▪ Diuretics ▪ Beta blockers and Nitrates ▪ Administer blood products and vitamin K to help with clotting ▪ Lactulose ▪ Paracentesis ▪ Monitor blood glucose levels ▪ I and O ▪ Vaccinations ▪ Practice good hygiene ▪ Drink enough fluids ▪ Eat a low salt diet ▪ High protein, high calorie diet |
Mnemonic Symptoms
| Spider angiomas Splenomegaly Confusion Ascites Redness on the palms of the hands Renal failure Enlarged breast in men/Early menopause Deficient on vitamins Loss of appetite/weight Increased Bilirubin/jaundice Varices Edema in legs Reduced platelets and WBCs Itchy skin |