Ammonia, Bilirubin, and Clotting Factors Review

Flashcards covering liver function, ammonia processing, bilirubin levels in neonates, phototherapy safety, and clotting factors based on lecture notes.

What are the clinical manifestations of ammonia ($NH_3$) crossing the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB)?

AMS (hepatic encephalopathy) and Asterixis (flapping hand tremor)

How does Lactulose treat excess ammonia in the body?

It acts as a laxative to rid ammonia by excreting it in the stool, which improves AMS.

What is the role of Neomycin in the treatment of excess ammonia?

It is an antibiotic that kills ammonia producing bacteria (ammoniagenic bacteria).

Which antibiotic can be combined with Lactulose to treat excess ammonia?

Rifaximin

What is the typical lifespan of a Red Blood Cell (RBC)?

$120$ days ($4$ months)

What causes Jaundice in a patient with an impaired liver?

A build-up of unconjugated bilirubin because the liver is unable to conjugate it for excretion.

What is the term for the yellowing of the eyes (sclera)?

Scleral Icterus

What is Kernicterus?

Brain damage caused by elevated bilirubin in the brain of a neonate.

How is bilirubin monitored in a neonate?

A heel stick is used to get blood.

What are the '5 S’s' used to soothe an infant in pain?

Sucrose, Sucking (pacifier), Skin to Skin, Swaddle, and Silence.

What education should be provided regarding the application of lotions during UV therapy for a neonate?

No lotions or skin barriers should be used because they will reflect light and not allow absorption.

What are the safety requirements for a neonate during phototherapy?

The eyes must be covered and the baby should wear only a diaper.

What should be done when a neonate needs to eat while undergoing UV light therapy?

Feed the baby if they need to eat, but turn off the light during the feeding.

Which clotting factors are decreased in production during Cirrhosis?

All clotting factors: $II$, $V$, $VII$, $VIII$, $IX$, $X$, $XI$, and $XII$.

Which laboratory values are checked to determine increased bleeding in Cirrhosis, and what is the expected result?

$PT/INR$ and $PTT$, which will be elevated.