• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

Cirrhosis

LTC Nursing Assistant Trainer, February 10, 2005

Cirrhosis is a disease that affects the liver and its functions. It's one of top ten leading causes of death by disease in the US. A normal, healthy liver has a variety of functions. It regulates blood sugar, filters the blood, controls sex hormones, aids in blood clotting, and produces bile-a substance necessary for digestion. Cirrhosis damages the cells of the liver, causing them to replace soft, moist tissue with thick, fibrous scar tissue. These fibrous scars distort the liver and block the normal blood flow. A damaged liver can cause slowed circulation, collection of fluid in the legs also known as peripheral edema, and fatal bleeding.

Cirrhosis is irreversible, but treatment can slow its advancement. Sometimes, treating the cause of the cirrhosis-usually hepatitis, alcoholism, or heredity -can stop its progression.

Your cirrhosis afflicted residents need close observation, supportive care, and good nutrition. The following are nursing care measures specifically for residents with cirrhosis:

• Check the residents' skin, gums, and stools regularly for bleeding.

• Instruct residents to avoid straining when blowing their noses or moving their bowels, as this can cause internal bleeding.

• Suggest the use of a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.

• Watch for changes in personality or behavior. These may signal toxic accumulation of bile in the blood, and require immediate medical attention.

• Assess fluid retention by regularly checking weight and measuring abdominal girth.

When cirrhosis is diagnosed before severe liver damage has occurred, residents can lead healthy lives for many more years. Even when complications occur, they often can be treated. The key factor for survival and a quality of life is compliance with the physician's orders and treatment plan.

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive