Caring for Patients with Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreatic Conditions

Flashcards created to assist in reviewing key concepts related to liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic conditions for exam preparation.

Liver

A reddish-brown organ located in the center of the abdominal cavity, below the ribs, responsible for metabolizing nutrients and detoxifying harmful substances.

Hepatic artery

The blood vessel that supplies oxygenated blood to the liver, comprising about 1/3 of the liver's blood supply.

Portal vein

The blood vessel that carries blood from the gastrointestinal tract and spleen to the liver, making up about 2/3 of the liver's blood supply.

Hepatocytes

Liver cells that make up about 60% of the liver, responsible for secreting bile and metabolizing nutrients.

Kupffer cells

Specialized macrophages in the liver that detoxify and remove old red blood cells, bacteria, and foreign materials.

Bile

A digestive fluid made primarily of water that helps emulsify fats and carries waste products for elimination.

Sphincter of Oddi

A muscular valve that regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juices into the duodenum.

Metabolism

The process by which nutrients are converted into usable forms and stored by the liver.

Detoxification

The removal of toxic substances from the blood by the liver, including drugs and alcohol.

Bilirubin

A yellow compound produced from the breakdown of hemoglobin, must be converted by the liver for excretion.

Jaundice

A condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood.

Hemolytic jaundice

Jaundice caused by excessive destruction of red blood cells, leading to increased bilirubin production.

Intrahepatic jaundice

Jaundice resulting from liver disease that impairs the liver's ability to process bilirubin.

Obstructive jaundice

Jaundice caused by a blockage in the bile ducts preventing normal bile flow into the intestine.

Ascites

An accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, often associated with liver disease and portal hypertension.

Cholelithiasis

The condition of having gallstones in the gallbladder.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, often due to the presence of gallstones.

Surgery

A medical procedure to remove the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) or address bile duct obstruction.

ERCP

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography, a procedure used to diagnose and treat bile duct obstructions.

Portal hypertension

Increased blood pressure in the portal venous system, often due to cirrhosis or liver disease.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver damage resulting in loss of liver function, characterized by scarring and fibrosis.

Hepatic encephalopathy

A decline in brain function due to the liver's inability to remove toxins from the blood, particularly ammonia.

NAFLD

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver in individuals who drink little or no alcohol.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas that can be acute or chronic, often caused by gallstones or alcohol consumption.

Amylase

An enzyme that helps in the digestion of carbohydrates, often elevated in cases of pancreatitis.

Lipase

An enzyme important for the digestion of fats, typically increased in cases of pancreatitis.

Cholesterol

A lipid that can contribute to gallstone formation when imbalanced with bile salts and calcium.

Albumin

A protein synthesized by the liver that helps maintain blood volume and pressure.

Prothrombin

A clotting factor produced by the liver essential for blood coagulation.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.

Glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood sugar levels by facilitating the release of glucose.

Liver biopsy

A procedure to obtain tissue samples from the liver for diagnostic purposes.

Bile salts

Compounds in bile that emulsify fats, aiding in their digestion and absorption.

Spider angiomas

Small, spider-like blood vessels that can appear on the skin and are often associated with liver disease.

Vitamin K

A fat-soluble vitamin important for blood clotting, which may be deficient in liver disease.

HIDA scan

A test that evaluates the function of the gallbladder by assessing its ability to concentrate and excrete a radioactive tracer.

Complications

Adverse effects that can occur due to a disease or its treatment, such as bleeding or infections.

Hypertriglyceridemia

An elevated level of triglycerides in the blood, which can contribute to pancreatitis.

Lactulose

A non-absorbable disaccharide used to help reduce ammonia levels in hepatic encephalopathy.

Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder, often performed in cases of gallbladder disease.

Paracentesis

A procedure to remove fluid from the abdominal cavity, often performed in cases of ascites.

Sclerotherapy

A procedure that involves injecting a sclerosing agent to seal off blood vessels, often used to treat varices.

Diuretics

Medications that help reduce excess fluid in the body, often used in conditions like ascites.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS)

A procedure that creates a connection between the portal and systemic circulation to alleviate portal hypertension.

Encephalopathy

A disturbance in brain function due to metabolic or toxic factors, often seen in liver disease.

Exocrine function

The production of substances such as digestive enzymes that are secreted into ducts, like the pancreatic digestive enzymes.

Endocrine function

The release of hormones directly into the bloodstream, such as insulin and glucagon by the pancreas.