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Pathophysiology
Hepatobiliary & Exocrine Pancreas Function
96
Other
Not Applicable
06/25/2008

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Cards

Term
What does Cholestasis represent?
Definition
A decrease in bile flow through intrahepatic canaliculi and a decreased secretion of water, bilirubin and bile acids by the hepatocytes.
Term
Cholestasis caused by intrinsic liver disease is called what?
Definition
Intrahepatic Cholestasis
Term
Cholestasis caused by obstruction of the large bile ducts is called what?
Definition
extrahepatic cholestasis
Term
What is common to all types of cholestasis?
Definition
accumulation of bile pigment in the liver (goes out to blood).
Term
What is the most common symptom of cholestasis and what is it caused by?
Definition
Pruritis (itching) b/c of increased bile acids in blood
Term
Jaundice is also called _________ and results from what?
Definition
Icterus, an abnormally HIGH accumulation of bilirubin in the blood causes the yellowing
Term
What is usually the first structure in which jaundice can be seen?
Definition
the eye (see yellow sclera)
Term
List the 4 major causes of jaundice:
Definition
1. Excessive destruction of RBC's (sickle cell, hemolytic disease of newborn)
2. Impaired Uptake of bilirubin by the liver cells (Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, Cancer of the Liver)
3. Decreased conjugation of bilirubin
4. Obstruction of bile flow in hepatic lobules or bile ducts
Term
What is the major cause of prehepatic jaundice?
Definition
Excessive Hemolysis of RBC's
Term
What causes intrahepatic jaundice?
Definition
Inability of the liver to remove bilirubin from blood or conjugate it for removal of bile.

Hepatitis, Cirrhosis & Cancer are common causes of this type.
Term
What causes posthepatic jaundice?
Definition
Obstruction of bile flow between liver & intestine.

Cholelithiasis is a common cause of this type.
Term
What is the incubation period for Hepatitis A?
Definition
15-45 Days
Term
Think back to the "infection" content - Can a person with Hep A transmit it during the incubation period?
Definition
Yes, it is true
Term
The longer the incubation period is, the more likely the disease is to be transmitted because the person doesn't know he/she has the disease. True or False?
Definition
True
Term
If you were reviewing a patient's lab work and found that htere was IgM-anti HAV in the blood, what would this mean?
Definition
Onset is less then 6 months previous
Term
List the signs & symptoms of HAV infection:
Definition
Jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, fever
Term
How is HAV transmitted?
Definition
fecal-oral route
Term
List 5 groups of persons who are at increased risk of HAV infection:
Definition
household contacts (children who are asymptomatic & spread it to home from daycare), traveling abroad in Hep A countries, sex partners, M2M sex, IV and non IV drug users
Term
An 18 mont old child, who goes to a daycare center daily, is diagnosed with Hep A. You are the nurse at the day care center. What records would you check for each child? If a child or staff hadn't been immunized, what would you recommend and why? What education would you provide to the staff and parents of other children?
Definition
Immunization for all d/t liklihood of transmission from that environment. Kids: wash hands often, esp. after bathroom. Don't put toys in your mouth.
Staff: help ensure kids are clean, disinfect play surfaces, report symptoms in kids or themselves
Term
The incubation period for Hep B is what?
Definition
4-6 weeks
Term
This patient is tested 3 months after the initial diagnosis and HBsAg, total anti-HBc & HBeAg are present. The results are the same 6 months later. This indicates the patient has ___________ .
Definition
Chronic Hep B
Term
If the patient's lab results were positive for the presence of Anti HBsAg, this would indicate the patient has ____________ immunity to HBV.

This patient should be immunized for HBV?
Definition
protective (long lasting)

False
Term
Many of the s & s are the same for HAV & HBV. In addition to those you listed for HAV, what are the signs of HBV?
Definition
vomiting, joint pain, may or may not have fever
Term
Describe how HBV is transmitted:
Definition
unprotected sex, sharing needles, needlestick or job-related exposeure. Also, from mother to infant.
Term
What groups of persons are at high risk for contracting HBV?
Definition
persons w/ multiple sex partners or STD, M2M sex, IV drug users, household contacts, infants with HBV positive mothers, infants from overseas high areas of infection, health care and public safety, hemodialysis patients
Term
A person with HBV infection might also be at risk for what?
Definition
HCV or HIV
Term
What is the best protection against HBV?
Definition
vaccination
Term
What precautions should health care workers take to prevent infection?
Definition
HBV vaccination, barrier precautions, safe sharp's handling
Term
What is the incubation period for Hep C?
Definition
2-26 weeks
Term
How is Hep. C diagnosed?
Definition
presence of anti-HCV in blood AND acute rise in Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT)
Term
Does the presence of antibodies to HCV indicate that the person is now immune to HCV?
Definition
No, that is false
Term
The S & S for HCV are the same as Hep A, but include ______________.
Definition
dark urine
Term
Do 55-85% of persons infected with HCV develop chronic HCV?
Definition
Yes, true
Term
HCV is transmitted in the same way as _________ .
Definition
HBV (unprotected sex, sharing needles, needle stick or job-related exposure, mother to infant)
Term
The persons at high risk for HCV are the same as those at risk for ______.
Definition
HBV (persons with multiple sex partners or STD, M2M sex, IV drug users, household contacts, infants with HBV positive moms, infants from overseas high areas of infection, health care and public safety, hemodialysis patients)
Term
What precautions should health care workers take to protect themselves from HCV?
Definition
HBV Vaccine, barrier precautions
Term
Hep D has the same S & S as Hep A. There are a couple to add, what are they?
Definition
vomiting, joint pain, dark urine
Term
In what ways can HDV be acquired?
Definition
Unprotected sex, sharing needles
Term
What are the effects of HBV - HDV co-infection?
Definition
acute liver failure
Term
What are the effects of HBV - HDV superinfection?
Definition
Cirrhosis (final stage in chronic liver failure)
Term
HDV is transmitted the same way as _____.
Definition
HBV/HCV
Term
Hep B vaccination is recommended to prevent Hep D. This seems a little strange until you think about it some. If a person is immune to HBV, they won't get HBD b/c it only occurs as a coinfection or superinfection with Hep B. Would it also be true that person who has adequate levels of anti HBsAg wouldn't get HDV?
Definition
Yes
Term
Hep E (HEV) are the same as HAV with the addition of what?
Definition
vomiting, dark (tea colored) urine
Term
HEV is transmitted in the same way as ________ .
Definition
HAV (fecal-oral route)
Term
Is Hep E uncommon in the U.S.?
Definition
Yes, true
Term
In cirrhosis (end stage of chronic liver disease) much of the functional liver tissue has been replaced by ______________.
Definition
Fibrous Tissue
Term
Normal Liver architecture has been converted into ___________________________ .
Definition
Structurally abnormal nodules
Term
Fibrous bands resulting in cirrhosis disrupt flow in ________________ channels and _____________systems of the liver.
Definition
vascular channels & biliary duct systems
Term
The disruption of flow happening in cirrhosis to the liver will predispose the body to what?
Definition
portal hypertension -> obstruction of biliary channels + exposure to bilestasis & loss of liver cells -> liver failure
Term
What are the manifestations of cirrhosis?
Definition
wt. loss, weakness, anorexia, constipation, abdominal pain (dull and aching epigastric or upper rt. quadrant) and jaundice (usually happens in late stages)
Term
Portal Hypertension is characterized by:
Definition
Increased resistance to flow in portal venous system and sustained portal vein pressure about 22 mmHg.
Term
Prehepatic obstruction is caused by conditions such as: _______________, ______________ and ___________________ that produce obstruction of portal vein when?
Definition
portal veinthrombosis, cancer (causing external compression) & enlarged lymph nodes. These are make obstructions of portal vein before it enters the LIVER!
Term
Posthepatic obstruction is obstruction of hepatic veins beyond the liver & can be caused by what?
Definition
thrombosis of hepatic veins, veno occlusive disease, severe right sided heart failure
Term
Intrahepatic obstruction occurs within the liver & is most commonly caused by _____________.
Definition
Alcoholism
Term
What is Ascites?
Definition
Increased peritoneal cavity fluid
Term
Factors that seem to contribute to ascites are INCREASED capillary pressure due to portal hypertension & obstruction of venous flow through the liver and ________ & ________ retention by the kidney.
Definition
Salt & Water
Term
Though ascites (increased peritoneal fluid) increases capillary pressure. What do they do to colloidal osmotic pressure which limits reabsorption of fluid?
Definition
Decrease
Term
Why does the spleen enlarge?
Definition
shunting of blood into the splenic vein
Term
Hypersplenism leads to... ?
Definition
anemia, throbocytopenia, leukopenia (decreases the lifespan of all formed elements of blood)
Term
Increased pressure in the portal vein causes large channels to develop between the portal & systemic veins. Dilation of veins that supply the lower rectum cause _____________ .
Definition
hemorrhoids
Term
Cirrhosis causes Portostemic Shunts. Inspection of the abdomen would reveal _______________ around the umbilicus. Channels develop that reverse the flow between the portal & coronary veins that causes the development of ______________________ that can rupture, producing massive hemorrhage (this is the most important).
Definition
dilated veins (caput medusae), esophageal varices
Term
The liver regulates blood glucose levels. If the liver cannot metabolize nutrients, _____________ will occur. Impaired protein matebolism leads to hypoalbuminemia causing _________ & ________.
Definition
hypoglycemia

edema & ascites
Term
Clotting factors, prothrombonin & fibrinogen are synthesized in the liver & Vitamin K is absorbed. Deficiencies of these (happens during liver failure) lead to ____________ that causes bruising, hematuria & GI bleeding.
Definition
bleeding
Term
Ammonia is a neurotoxin. It is the by product of protein & amino acid metabolism. If the liver cannot convert ammonia to urea, hepatic ____________ may result with neural disturbances ranging from lack of alertness to confusion, coma & convulsions.
Definition
encephalopathy

basically, toxic substances normally removed by the liver accumulate in the blood and impair the function of brain cells.
Term
The liver metabolizes steroid hormones (aldosterone, androgens & estrogens). Increased levels of aldosterone promote sodium retention by the kidney & increase urinary loss of potassium cuasing ________ & _________.
Definition
edema & ascites
Term
What do increased androgens produce in men? and in women?
Definition
gynecomastia & testicular atrophy in men

menstrual irregularities in women
Term
because of the liver's descreased ability to metabolize drugs, nurses administering medications to patients in liver failure must be aware of the potential for what?
Definition
drug interactions & toxicities are a risk to a patient with liver failure
Term
Jaundice is often a late manifestation of chronic liver failure and is caused by what?
Definition
hyperbilirubinea (too much bilirubin excreted by bile causes yellowing) -> is jaundice
Term
What etiologic agents have been identified as causes of primary liver cancer?
Definition
chronic viral hepatitis (B,C & D) cirrhosis, long-term exposure to aflatoxin in environment & drinking water with arsenic.
Term
What are the most common site (sources) of metastatic liver cancer?
Definition
lungs & portal lymph nodes
Term
What is Cholelithiasis and what is it caused by?
Definition
the presence gallstones in the bladder

precipitation of substances in bile, usually cholesterol & bile
Term
What 3 factors contribute to the formation of gallstones & what do they cause the liver to do?
Definition
gallstones form b/c of: abnormalities in the composition of bile, stasis of bile & inflammation of the gallbladder.

They cause excess excretion of cholesterol into the bile.
Term
What are the risk factors for Cholelithiasis (gallstones)?
Definition
Sex: FEMALE
Weight: OBESE
Pregnancies: MULTIPLE
Contraception: ORAL
Medications: CHOLESTEROL LOWERING (Clofibrate)
Term
What are the symptoms of gallstones & when do they occur?
Definition
Indigestion & pain in UR quadrant. Abrupt 30-60 min peak, 2-8 hour duration
Term
Both acute & chronic cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) are associated with _________________ .
Definition
cholelithiasis (gallstones)
Term
What can precipitate the manifestations of Choleystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) and Cholelithiasis (gallstones)?
Definition
A fatty meal
Term
Severe pain is a symptom of acute cholecystitis. Where is the pain located?

What are 2 other common manifestations?
Definition
UR quadrant, rt subcostal region

vomiting (75%) and jaundice (25%)
Term
What are the manifestations of chronic cholecystitis? (inflammation of the gallbladder)
Definition
Intolerance of fatty foods, belching, colicy pain
Term
Acute pancreatitis is associated with escape of __________________________ into the _________ & ________________.
Definition
ACTIVATED PANCREATIC ENZYMES escape into the PANCREAS & SURROUNDING TISSUES.
Term
What does the escape of pancreatic enzymes cause?
Definition
fat necrosis or auto digestion of pancreas, abdominal fatty deposits d/t hemorrhage of necrotic vessels
Term
What are the 2 most common causes of acute pancreatitis?
Definition
gallstones or alcohol abuse
Term
The onset of acute pancreatitis is usually abrupt & may follow a __________ or ___________.
Definition
heavy meal or alcoholic binge
Term
What are some of the manifestations and symptoms you will see with acute pancreatitis?
Definition
Most common initial symptom is PAIN. It RADIATES TO THE BACK.

will be ABDOMEN DISTENSION & HYPOACTIVE (underactive) BOWELS

Loss of large amounts of fluid too. will discuss more on the next card...
Term
An important disturbance related to acute pancreatitis is the loss of large volumes of fluid. Where does the fluid go & what does it cause?
Definition
Large amounts of fluid lost go to the retroperitoneal & peripancreatic spaces, causes tachycardia, hypotension & cool/clammy skin.
Term
Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by what?
Definition
progressive destruction of the pancreas
Term
Chronic calcifying pancreatitis is seen most often in _____________ .
Definition
Cholelithiasis
Term
What are the manifestations of chronic pancreatitis?
Definition
persistent, recurring UL quadrant pain following alcohol abuse or overeating
Term
Eventually, chronic pancreatitis progresses to the extent that both endocrine & exocrine functions in the pancreas become impaired. What are the manifestations when this occurs?
Definition
Diabetes Mellitus and the Malabsorption Syndrome (wt. loss & fatty stools)
Term
Why does cancer of the pancreas have such a poor prognosis for survival?
Definition
Most have metastasized prior to diagnosis
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