Liver Disorders

A collection of vocabulary flashcards defining key terms and concepts related to liver disorders.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of liver cells that affects its ability to detoxify substances and produce proteins.

Clinical Manifestations of Hepatitis

Flu-like symptoms, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, clay-colored stool.

Hepatitis A

Transmitted via the oral-fecal route and preventable by vaccine.

Hepatitis B

Transmitted through blood and body fluids, vaccination is crucial; can lead to chronic liver disease.

Hepatitis C

Transmitted via blood and body fluids, no vaccine available; often progresses to cirrhosis.

Cirrhosis

Chronic liver condition leading to scarring, loss of liver function, and possible complications like portal hypertension.

Ascites

Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity due to liver damage and altered blood flow.

Esophageal Varices

Enlarged veins in the esophagus caused by portal hypertension, prone to bleeding.

Paracentesis

A procedure to relieve ascites by removing fluid from the abdominal cavity.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Neurological disturbances due to liver failure and buildup of toxins such as ammonia.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Excess fat accumulation in the liver without heavy alcohol use, often leads to inflammation and liver damage.

Liver Cancer

Cancer originating in the liver or secondary to metastasis from other organs, often with poor prognosis.

Liver Biopsy considerations

High risk for hemorrhage, requires frequent vital signs monitoring and positioning precautions.