NCLEX Study Guide: Hepatic, Pancreatic, and Biliary Disorders

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering essential vocabulary, causes, symptoms, treatments, and nursing care related to hepatic, pancreatic, and biliary disorders.

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver caused by viruses, alcohol, toxins, or autoimmune diseases.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Transmitted via fecal-oral route; risk factors include poor sanitation and travel to endemic areas.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Transmitted through blood, sexual contact; risk factors include IV drug use and unprotected sex.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Bloodborne virus transmitted through IV drug use; no vaccine available.

Hepatitis D (HDV)

Requires Hepatitis B infection to infect; vaccination for Hepatitis B prevents HDV.

Hepatitis E (HEV)

Transmitted via fecal-oral route through contaminated water.

Acute Phase Symptoms of Hepatitis

Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, RUQ discomfort, jaundice, dark urine.

Chronic Hepatitis (B & C)

Persistent inflammation leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer; may be asymptomatic.

Supportive Care for Hepatitis A & E

Includes rest, hydration, and small frequent meals.

Antivirals for Hepatitis B

Medications like Tenofovir and Entecavir are used for treatment.

Autoimmune Hepatitis Treatment

Corticosteroids or azathioprine are used to manage the condition.

Cirrhosis

End-stage liver disease characterized by fibrosis, scarring, and loss of liver function.

Causes of Cirrhosis

Chronic Hepatitis B & C, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Early Symptoms of Cirrhosis

Fatigue, weight loss, weakness, RUQ pain, GI disturbances.

Late Symptoms of Cirrhosis

Jaundice, pruritus, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, coagulopathy, and esophageal varices.

Treatment for Ascites

Use of diuretics like Spironolactone and Furosemide.

Complications of Cirrhosis

Includes portal hypertension, esophageal varices, and hepatic encephalopathy.

Hepatic Encephalopathy Treatment

Medications like Lactulose and Rifaximin; dietary restrictions may be needed.

Liver Cancer

Primarily hepatocellular carcinoma, often related to cirrhosis or hepatitis B/C infection.

Symptoms of Liver Cancer

Unintentional weight loss, jaundice, hepatomegaly, RUQ pain.

Elevated Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)

Common laboratory finding associated with liver cancer.

Pre-Transplant Nursing Care

Assess MELD score; optimize nutrition and manage ascites.

Post-Transplant Nursing Care

Includes lifelong immunosuppression and monitoring for signs of rejection.

Acute Pancreatitis Causes

Gallstones, alcohol abuse, hypertriglyceridemia, medications.

Acute Pancreatitis Symptoms

Epigastric pain radiating to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever.

Chronic Pancreatitis Causes

Chronic alcohol abuse, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune disease.

Chronic Pancreatitis Symptoms

Chronic pain, steatorrhea, weight loss, diabetes.

Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors

Smoking, chronic pancreatitis, obesity, family history.

Painless Jaundice

A common symptom of pancreatic cancer.

Cholelithiasis (Gallstones)

Formation of stones in the gallbladder, often asymptomatic.

Cholecystitis Definition

Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually due to gallstones.

Murphy's Sign

Pain on deep inspiration when palpating the RUQ.

Biliary Obstruction Symptoms

Jaundice, RUQ pain, fever, pruritus.

ERCP

Procedure used to remove stones from bile duct.

Nursing Care for Gallstones

Includes pain management and low-fat diet.

Surgical Management of Cholecystitis

Involves cholecystectomy; requires post-operative care.

Postoperative Nursing Care for Cholecystectomy

Monitoring incision, managing pain, preventing complications.

Priority Nursing Intervention Post-Op

Assess vital signs for signs of complications.

Patient Education Post-Cholecystectomy

Emphasize low-fat diet and activity restrictions.

Fever, RUQ Pain, Jaundice

Classic signs of cholangitis, a medical emergency.

Portal Hypertension

Increased pressure in the portal vein leading to esophageal varices.

Hepatorenal Syndrome

Kidney failure due to liver dysfunction, requiring fluid resuscitation.

Liver Biopsy

Gold standard for diagnosing liver cancer.

Immunosuppressants for Transplant Patients

Medications like Tacrolimus and Mycophenolate.

Complications of Gallbladder Surgery

May include bile leaks and infections; monitor accordingly.

Nutritional Support for Liver Transplant Patients

Balanced diet with adequate protein for tissue repair.

Pain Management in Acute Pancreatitis

Prioritize opioids and NSAIDs.

Expected Signs of Infection Post-Transplant

Fever and chills in immunosuppressed patients.

Gallbladder Surgery Preoperative Care

Includes dietary restrictions and explaining post-op expectations.

Cholestyramine

Medications used to relieve itching in biliary obstruction.

Electrolyte Imbalances in Cirrhosis

Hyponatremia is common due to fluid retention.

Dietary Instruction for Chronic Pancreatitis

Low-fat, high-protein diet to reduce pancreatic stimulation.

Pseudocyst Formation

A potential complication of acute pancreatitis.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Benefits

Minimally invasive with faster recovery and fewer complications.

Open Cholecystectomy

Required if laparoscopy is not possible due to complications.

Preoperative Patient Education

Inform patient of low-fat diet necessity post-gallbladder removal.

Priority Post-Operative Action

Monitor for stable vital signs post-surgery.

Bile Leak Symptoms

RUQ pain, jaundice, fever indicating need for provider notification.

Post-Op Care for Cholecystectomy

Includes incision care and monitoring for infection.