Assessment and Management of Patients With Hepatic & gallbladder Disorders

The nurse is planning care for a client following an incisional cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis. Which intervention is the highest nursing priority for this client? Assisting the client to turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours Teaching the client to choose low-fat foods from the menu Performing range-of-motion (ROM) leg exercises hourly while the client is awake Assisting the client to ambulate the evening of the operative day

Assisting the client to turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours Assessment should focus on the client's respiratory status. If a traditional surgical approach is planned, the high abdominal incision required during surgery may interfere with full respiratory excursion. The other nursing actions are also important, but are not as high a priority as ensuring adequate ventilation.

Which foods should be avoided following acute gallbladder inflammation? Cooked fruits Cheese Coffee Mashed potatoes

Cheese The client should avoid eggs, cream, pork, fried foods, cheese, rich dressings, gas-forming vegetables, and alcohol. It is important to remind the client that fatty foods may induce an episode of cholecystitis. Cooked fruits, rice or tapioca, lean meats, mashed potatoes, non-gas-forming vegetables, bread, coffee, or tea may be consumed as tolerated.

A client is actively bleeding from esophageal varices. Which medication would the nurse mostexpect to be administered to this client? Octreotide Spironolactone Propranolol Lactulose

Octreotide In an actively bleeding client, medications are administered initially because they can be obtained and administered quicker than other therapies. Octreotide (Sandostatin) causes selective splanchnic vasoconstriction by inhibiting glucagon release and is used mainly in the management of active hemorrhage. Propranolol (Inderal) and nadolol (Corgard), beta-blocking agents that decrease portal pressure, are the most common medications used both to prevent a first bleeding episode in clients with known varices and to prevent rebleeding. Beta-blockers should not be used in acute variceal hemorrhage, but they are effective prophylaxis against such an episode. Spironolactone (Aldactone), an aldosterone-blocking agent, is most often the first-line therapy in clients with ascites from cirrhosis. Lactulose (Cephulac) is administered to reduce serum ammonia levels in clients with hepatic encephalopathy.

A nurse is teaching a client about the cause of acute pancreatitis. The nurse evaluates the teaching as effective when the client correctly identifies which condition as a cause of acute pancreatitis? Fibrosis and atrophy of the pancreatic gland Calcification of the pancreatic duct, leading to its blockage Self-digestion of the pancreas by its own proteolytic enzymes Use of loop diuretics to increase the incidence of pancreatitis

Self-digestion of the pancreas by its own proteolytic enzymes Self-digestion of the pancreas by its own proteolytic enzymes, principally trypsin, causes acute pancreatitis. Of clients with acute pancreatitis, 80% had undiagnosed chronic pancreatitis. Gallstones enter the common bile duct and lodge at the ampulla of Vater, obstructing the flow of pancreatic juice or causing a reflux of bile from the common bile duct into the pancreatic duct, thus activating the powerful enzymes within the pancreas. Normally, these remain in an inactive form until the pancreatic secretions reach the lumen of the duodenum. Activation of the enzymes can lead to vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, necrosis, erosion, and hemorrhage

A client with chronic pancreatitis is treated for uncontrolled pain. Which complication does the nurse recognize is most common in the client with chronic pancreatitis? Weight loss Diarrhea Fatigue Hypertension

Weight loss Weight loss is most common in the client with chronic pancreatitis due to decreased dietary intake secondary to anorexia or fear that eating will precipitate another attack. The other answer choices are not the most common complications related to chronic pancreatitis.

A client with esophageal varices is scheduled to undergo injection sclerotherapy. Which of the following client statements indicates that the teaching was successful? "The physician will use a balloon to compress the vessels." "I might need to have this procedure done again." "It's seems odd that a rubber band can block off the vessels." "A catheter will be inserted through my belly to fix the vessels."

"I might need to have this procedure done again." Persistent portal hypertension allows varices to form again, making it necessary to repeat injection sclerotherapy or variceal banding regularly. Injection sclerotherapy involves passing an endoscope orally to locate the varix. Balloon tamponade is used to compress actively bleeding esophageal varices as a temporary measure. Variceal banding involves using a rubber band over the varix to restrict blood flow that eventually leads to sloughing.

When caring for a client with hepatitis B, the nurse should monitor closely for the development of which finding associated with a decrease in hepatic function? Jaundice Pruritus of the arms and legs Fatigue during ambulation Irritability and drowsiness

Irritability and drowsiness Although all the options are associated with hepatitis B, the onset of irritability and drowsiness suggests a decrease in hepatic function. To detect signs and symptoms of disease progression, the nurse should observe for disorientation, behavioral changes, and a decreasing level of consciousness and should monitor the results of liver function tests, including the blood ammonia level. If hepatic function is decreased, the nurse should take safety precautions.

A nurse is educating a client who has been treated for hepatic encephalopathy about dietary restrictions to prevent ammonia accumulation. What should the nurse include in the dietary teaching? Decrease the amount of fats in the diet. Increase the amount of potassium in the diet. The amount of protein is not restricted in the diet. Increase the amount of magnesium in the diet.

The amount of protein is not restricted in the diet. Clients with hepatic encephalopathy and their families are advised that protein intake should not be restricted in hepatic encephalopathy, as was recommended in the past. Protein intake should be maintained at 1.2 to 1.5 g/kg per day. Electrolyte balance may need to be corrected with some clients, but there are no specific recommendations for potassium and magnesium. Fat intake is not limited in clients who have hepatic encephalopathy.

Alcohol, which is toxic to the liver, is a common cause of hepatic disorders. As part of health teaching, the nurse advises a group of women that the amount of daily alcohol use should be limited to the equivalent of: Two 12 oz bottles of beer. One 6 oz martini. Two 6 oz glasses of wine. One 2 oz glass of a mixed drink (gin and tonic).

Two 6 oz glasses of wine. Intake of 60 g/day for men and 30 g/d for women (10 g of alcohol is equivalent to 1 oz of bourbon, 12 ounces of beer, or 4 ounces of red wine) is sufficient to cause liver injury.

The nurse knows that the client with cholelithiasis can have a nutritional deficiency. The obstruction of bile flow due to cholelitiasis can interfere with the absorption of Vitamin A Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C

Vitamin A Obstruction of bile flow interferes with absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Clients may exhibit deficiencies of these vitamins if biliary obstruction has been prolonged. Vitamins B6, B12, and C are not fat soluable.

A nurse manager prepares teaching for staff nurses who care for clients with diabetes. Which statements will the nurse manager include when discussing the differences between the endocrine and exocrine functions of the pancreas? Select all that apply. "Internal secretion of hormones is the function of the endocrine pancreas." "Internal secretion of hormones is the function of the exocrine pancreas." "The endocrine pancreas secretes hormones through a ductless gland." "The exocrine pancreas secretes hormones from excretory ducts." "The exocrine pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes into the GI tract."

"Internal secretion of hormones is the function of the endocrine pancreas." "The endocrine pancreas secretes hormones through a ductless gland." "The exocrine pancreas secretes hormones from excretory ducts." "The exocrine pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes into the GI tract." planation:The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine functions. The endocrine pancreas secretes hormones internally through a ductless gland. The exocrine pancreas secretes external hormones from excretory ducts. Also, the exocrine pancreas secretes pancreatic enzymes into the GI tract.

A client with hepatic cirrhosis questions the nurse about the possible use of an herbal supplement—milk thistle—to help heal the liver. Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse? "You should not use herbal supplements in conjunction with medical treatment." "Herbal supplements are approved by the FDA, so there should be no problem with their usage if you check with your primary care provider." "Silymarin from milk thistle has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may have beneficial effects, especially in hepatitis. However, you should always notify your primary care provider of any herbal remedies being used so drug interactions can be evaluated." "You can use milk thistle instead of the medications you have been prescribed."

"Silymarin from milk thistle has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may have beneficial effects, especially in hepatitis. However, you should always notify your primary care provider of any herbal remedies being used so drug interactions can be evaluated." Many clients who have end-stage liver disease (ESLD) with cirrhosis use the herb milk thistle (Silybum marianum) to treat jaundice and other symptoms. This herb has been used for centuries because of its healing and regenerative properties in liver disease. Silymarin from milk thistle has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may have beneficial effects, especially in hepatitis. The natural compound SAM-e (s-adenosylmethionine) may improve outcomes of liver disease by improving liver function, possibly by enhancing antioxidant function. Herbal supplements are used in conjunction with medical treatment and medications. Herbal supplements are not approved by the FDA. Their usage should be discussed with the primary care provider to evaluate their effectiveness and interactions with other treatment regimens.

A client with liver and renal failure has severe ascites. On initial shift rounds, his primary nurse finds his indwelling urinary catheter collection bag too full to store more urine. The nurse empties more than 2,000 ml from the collection bag. One hour later, she finds the collection bag full again. The nurse notifies the physician, who suspects that a bladder rupture is allowing the drainage of peritoneal fluid. The physician orders a urinalysis to be obtained immediately. The presence of which substance is considered abnormal? Creatinine Urobilinogen Chloride Albumin

Albumin Albumin is an abnormal finding in a routine urine specimen. Ascites present in liver failure contain albumin; therefore, if the bladder ruptured, ascites containing albumin would drain from the indwelling urinary catheter because the catheter is no longer contained in the bladder. Creatinine, urobilinogen, and chloride are normally found in urine.

A client who had developed jaundice 2 months earlier is brought to the ED after attending a party and developing excruciating pain that radiated over the abdomen and into the back. Upon assessment, which additional symptom would the nurse expect this client to have? Hypertension Bile-stained vomiting Warm, dry skin Weight loss

Bile-stained vomiting Nausea and vomiting are common in acute pancreatitis. The emesis is usually gastric in origin but may also be bile stained. Fever, jaundice, mental confusion, and agitation may also occur.

Which type of deficiency results in macrocytic anemia? Folic acid Vitamin C Vitamin A Vitamin K

Folic acid Folic acid deficiency results in macrocytic anemia. Vitamin C deficiency results in hemorrhagic lesions of scurvy. Vitamin A deficiency results in night blindness and eye and skin changes. Vitamin K deficiency results in hypoprothrombinemia, which is characterized by spontaneous bleeding and ecchymosis

A client with calculi in the gallbladder is said to have Cholecystitis Cholelithiasis Choledocholithiasis Choledochotomy

Cholelithiasis Calculi, or gallstones, usually form in the gallbladder from the solid constituents of bile; they vary greatly in size, shape, and composition. Cholecystitis is acute inflammation of the gallbladder. Choledocholithiasis is a gallstone in the common bile duct. Choledochotomy is an incision into the common bile duct.

Sixty to eighty percent of pancreatic tumors occur in the head of the pancreas. Tumors in this region obstruct the common bile duct. Which of the following clinical manifestations would indicate a common bile duct obstruction associated with a tumor in the head of the pancreas? Choose all that apply. Clay-colored stools Dark urine Jaundice Pruritis Weight gain

Clay-colored stools Dark urine Jaundice Pruritis The obstructed flow of bile produces jaundice, clay-colored stools, and dark urine. Malabsorption of nutrients and fat-soluble vitamins may result if the tumor obstructs the entry of bile to the gastrointestinal tract. Abdominal discomfort or pain and pruritus may be noted, along with anorexia, weight loss, and malaise. If these signs and symptoms are present, cancer of the head of the pancreas is suspected.

What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the client with acute pancreatitis? Deficient fluid volume Excess fluid volume Decreased cardiac output Ineffective gastrointestinal tissue perfusion TAKE ANOTHER QUIZ

Deficient fluid volume Clients with acute pancreatitis often experience deficient fluid volume, which can lead to hypovolemic shock. Vomiting, hemorrhage (in hemorrhagic pancreatitis), and plasma leaking into the peritoneal cavity may cause the volume deficit. Hypovolemic shock will cause a decrease in cardiac output. Gastrointestinal tissue perfusion will be ineffective if hypovolemic shock occurs, but this wouldn't be the primary nursing diagnosis.

The nurse cares for a client with gallstones that need to be removed but is not a surgical candidate or endoscopic candidate. What procedure does the nurse recognize as being a possible treatment option for the client? ESWL ERCP T-tube insertion Transnasal biliary catheter insertion

ESWL Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, (ESWL) also known as lithotripsy, uses shock waves to break up gallstones for their removal and does not involve surgery or endoscopy. The other answer choices are performed by endoscopy.

The patient admitted with acute pancreatitis has passed the acute stage and is now able to tolerate solid foods. What type of diet will increase caloric intake without stimulating pancreatic enzymes beyond the ability of the pancreas to respond? Low-sodium, high-potassium, low-fat diet High-carbohydrate, high-protein, low-fat diet Low-carbohydrate, high-potassium diet High-carbohydrate, low-protein, low-fat diet

High-carbohydrate, low-protein, low-fat diet The nurse should provide a high-carbohydrate, low-protein, low-fat diet when tolerated. These foods increase caloric intake without stimulating pancreatic secretions beyond the ability of the pancreas to respond.

A nurse is planning care for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which client outcome does the nurse assign as the highest priority? Developing no acute complications from the pancreatitis Maintaining normal respiratory function Maintaining satisfactory pain control Achieving adequate fluid and electrolyte balance

Maintaining normal respiratory function Airway and breathing are always the priority assessment. Acute pancreatitis produces retroperitoneal edema, elevation of the diaphragm, pleural effusion, and inadequate lung ventilation. Intra-abdominal infection and labored breathing increase the body's metabolic demands, which further decreases pulmonary reserve and can lead to respiratory failure. Maintenance of adequate respiratory function is the priority goal. The other outcomes would also be appropriate for the patient.

The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis who is admitted to the intensive care unit to monitor for pulmonary complications. What is the nurse's understanding of the pathophysiology of pulmonary complications related to pancreatitis? Pancreatitis can elevate the diaphragm and alter the breathing pattern. Pancreatitis causes thickening of pulmonary secretions, impairing oxygenation. Pancreatitis can atrophy the diaphragm and alter the breathing pattern. Pancreatitis causes alterations to hemoglobin, impairing oxygenation.

Pancreatitis can elevate the diaphragm and alter the breathing pattern. Aggressive pulmonary care is required for clients with acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis can elevate the diaphragm and alter the breathing pattern of clients. Pancreatitis can cause retention of pulmonary secretions but does not thicken the secretions. Acute pancreatitis does not alter the hemoglobin.

The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which assessment findings indicate that the client has deficient vitamin K absorption caused by this hepatic disease? Dyspnea and fatigue Ascites and orthopnea Purpura and petechiae Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy

Purpura and petechiae A hepatic disorder, such as cirrhosis, may disrupt the liver's normal use of vitamin K to produce prothrombin (a clotting factor). Consequently, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, including purpura and petechiae. Dyspnea and fatigue suggest anemia. Ascites and orthopnea are unrelated to vitamin K absorption. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy result from decreased estrogen metabolism by the diseased liver.

A patient with acute pancreatitis puts the call bell on to tell the nurse about an increase in pain. The nurse observes the patient guarding; the abdomen is boardlike and no bowel sounds are detected. What is the major concern for this patient? The patient requires more pain medication. The patient is developing a paralytic ileus. The patient has developed peritonitis. The patient has developed renal failure.

The patient has developed peritonitis. Abdominal guarding is present. A rigid or boardlike abdomen may develop and is generally an ominous sign, usually indicating peritonitis (Privette et al., 2011).

What is a major concern for the nurse when caring for a patient with chronic pancreatitis? Pain Weight loss Nausea Mental status changes

Weight loss Weight loss is a major problem in chronic pancreatitis. More than 80% of patients experience significant weight loss, which is usually caused by decreased dietary intake secondary to anorexia or fear that eating will precipitate another attack (Bope & Kellerman, 2011).

A client has received a diagnosis of portal hypertension. What does portal hypertension treatment aim to reduce? Select all that apply. fluid accumulation venous pressure blood coagulation fluid output

fluid accumulation venous pressure Methods of treating portal hypertension aim to reduce venous pressure and fluid accumulation.

A physician has ordered a liver biopsy for a client with cirrhosis whose condition has recently deteriorated. The nurse reviews the client's recent laboratory findings and recognizes that the client is at risk for complications due to: low platelet count. low sodium level. decreased prothrombin time. low hemoglobin.

low platelet count. Prolonged prothrombin time (PT) and low platelet count place the client at high risk for hemorrhage. The client may receive intravenous (IV) administration of vitamin K or infusions of platelets before liver biopsy to reduce the risk of bleeding.

A client with cholelithiasis has a gallstone lodged in the common bile duct. When assessing this client, the nurse expects to note: yellow sclerae. light amber urine. circumoral pallor. black, tarry stools.

yellow sclerae. Yellow sclerae are an early sign of jaundice, which occurs when the common bile duct is obstructed. Urine normally is light amber. Circumoral pallor and black, tarry stools don't occur in common bile duct obstruction; they are signs of hypoxia and GI bleeding, respectively.

A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube for suction and is NPO after a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Which explanation made by the nurse is the major purpose of this treatment? "The tube helps control fluid and electrolyte imbalance." "The tube provides relief from nausea and vomiting." "The tube allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest." "The tube allows toxins to be removed."

"The tube allows the gastrointestinal tract to rest." Postoperative management of clients who have undergone a pancreatectomy or a pancreaticoduodenectomy is similar to the management of clients after extensive gastrointestinal or biliary surgery. An NG tube with suction and parenteral nutrition allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest while promoting adequate nutrition.

A client admitted with severe epigastric abdominal pain radiating to the back is vomiting and reports difficulty breathing. Upon assessment, the nurse determines that the client is experiencing tachycardia and hypotension. Which actions are priority interventions for this client? Select all that apply. Administer pain-relieving medication Administer a low-fat diet Administer electrolytes Administer plasma Assist the client to a semi-Fowler position

Administer pain-relieving medication Administer electrolytes Administer plasma Assist the client to a semi-Fowler position The nurse promptly reports decreased blood pressure (BP) and reduced urine output, which indicate hypovolemia and shock or renal failure. The treatment goals for acute pancreatitis focus on relieving pain, maintaining circulatory and fluid volume, and decreasing the production of pancreatic enzymes. Intravenous replacement of fluid and electrolytes should begin immediately because of the loss of fluid in the body. If hypotension is evident, plasma should be administered to maintain BP within an acceptable range. Fluids are administered intravenously and may be accompanied by infusion of blood or blood products to maintain blood volume and to prevent or treat hypovolemic shock. Low serum calcium and magnesium concentrations may occur and require prompt treatment. The nurse maintains the client in a semi-Fowler position to decrease pressure on the diaphragm by a distended abdomen and to increase respiratory expansion. A low-fat diet, with small frequent meals, should be initiated after control of symptoms; it is not an immediate priority.

A patient is brought to the emergency department by ambulance. He has hematemesis and alteration in mental status. The patient has tachycardia, cool clammy skin, and hypotension. The patient has a history of alcohol abuse. What would the nurse suspect the patient has? Hemolytic jaundice Hepatic insufficiency Bleeding esophageal varices Portal hypertension

Bleeding esophageal varices The patient with bleeding esophageal varices may present with hematemesis, melena, or general deterioration in mental or physical status and often has a history of alcohol abuse. Signs and symptoms of shock (cool clammy skin, hypotension, tachycardia) may be present. The scenario does not describe hemolytic jaundice, hepatic insufficiency, or portal hypertension.

Because clients with pancreatitis cannot tolerate high-glucose concentrations, total parental nutrition (TPN) should be used cautiously with them. Which of the following interventions has shown great promise in the prognosis of clients with severe acute pancreatitis? Providing intensive insulin therapy Allowiing a clear liquid diet during the acute phase Administering oral analgesics around the clock Maintaining a high-Fowler's position

Providing intensive insulin therapy Intensive insulin therapy (continuous infusion) in the critically ill client has undergone much study and has shown promise in terms of positive client outcomes when compared with intermittent insulin dosing. Glycemic control with normal or near normal blood glucose levels improves client outcomes. Total parental nutrition (TPN) is used carefully in clients with pancreatitis because some clients cannot tolerate a high-glucose concentration, even with insulin coverage. Clients with pancreatitis should not be given high-fat foods because they are difficult to digest. The current recommendation for pain management in this population is parenteral opioids. The nurse should maintain the client in a semi-Fowler's position to reduce pressure on the diaphragm.

A client with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas is scheduled for surgery. Which of the following should a nurse administer to the client before surgery? Potassium Vitamin K Vitamin B Oral bile acids

Vitamin K Clients with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas typically require vitamin K before surgery to correct a prothrombin deficiency. Potassium would be given only if the client's serum potassium levels were low. Oral bile acids are not prescribed for a client with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas; they are given to dissolve gallstones. Vitamin B has no implications in the surgery.

A client with chronic pancreatitis is treated for uncontrolled pain. Which complication does the nurse recognize is most common in the client with chronic pancreatitis? Weight loss Diarrhea Fatigue Hypertension

Weight loss Weight loss is most common in the client with chronic pancreatitis due to decreased dietary intake secondary to anorexia or fear that eating will precipitate another attack. The other answer choices are not the most common complications related to chronic pancreatitis.

Total parental nutrition (TPN) should be used cautiously in clients with pancreatitis because such clients: cannot tolerate high-glucose concentration. are at risk for gallbladder contraction. are at risk for hepatic encephalopathy. can digest high-fat foods.

cannot tolerate high-glucose concentration. Total parental nutrition (TPN) is used carefully in clients with pancreatitis because some clients cannot tolerate a high-glucose concentration even with insulin coverage. Intake of coffee increases the risk for gallbladder contraction, whereas intake of high protein increases risk for hepatic encephalopathy in clients with cirrhosis. Patients with pancreatitis should not be given high-fat foods because they are difficult to digest.

When caring for a client with cirrhosis, which symptoms should a nurse report immediately? Select all that apply. change in mental status signs of GI bleeding anorexia and dyspepsia diarrhea or constipation

change in mental status signs of GI bleeding The nurse reports any change in mental status or signs of GI bleeding immediately because they indicate secondary complications.