Hepatic Coma

Subject: Medical and Surgical Nursing I (Theory)

Overview

A potentially fatal side effect of liver disease, hepatic coma can develop when there is severe liver failure and can be brought on by blood ammonia buildup. Because ammonia is a CNS depressant, the liver is unable to convert it into urea. Memory, attention, and concentration problems, confusion in the mind. Its symptoms include less sleep, among others. To lower the serum ammonia level, lactulose is administered. Glucose intravenously administered to reduce protein breakdown

It is a serious complication of liver disease that can be fatal. It can happen when there is severe liver failure or when ammonia builds up in the blood.

Cause

Ammonia is a CNS depressant and the liver is unable to metabolize it to produce urea.

Clinical Manifestation

  • Mental haziness
  • Memory, concentration, and focus issues.
  • Decreased sleep
  • Asterixis(involuntary movement of hand)

Diagnostic Assessment

  • Increased blood ammonia

Medical Management

  • To lower the serum ammonia level, lactulose is administered.
  • Glucose intravenously administered to reduce protein breakdown
  • Dietary control.
  • Limit your protein intake.

Nursing Management

  • Regular evaluation of neurostatus
  • Keep the intake and outflow chart current.
  • Daily weight checking
  • Observe the serum ammonia level.
  • Limit your protein intake.

References

  • liver.ca/liver-disease/types/cirrhosis/hepatic-encephalopathy.aspx
  • www.webmd.com/brain/hepatic-encephalopathy-overview
  • www.healthline.com/health/hepatic-encephalopathy-2
  • Mandal, G. (August 2013). A Textbook of Adult Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Dilllibazar kathmandu: Makalu publication house. Retrieved August 2013
  • emedicine.medscape.com/article/186101-overview
Things to remember
  • The potentially fatal consequence of liver disease is hepatic coma.
  • Ammonia is a CNS depressant and the liver is unable to metabolize it to produce urea.
  • To lower the amount of serum ammonia, asterixis (involuntary hand movement) lactulose is administered.
  • Keep the intake and outflow chart current.
  • Daily weight checking
Questions and Answers

Hepatic Coma

It is a serious complication of liver disease that can be fatal. It can happen when there is severe liver failure or when ammonia builds up in the blood.

Cause

  • Ammonia is a CNS depressant and the liver is unable to metabolize it to produce urea.

 

Hepatic Coma

It is a serious complication of liver illness that can be fatal. It can happen when there is severe liver failure or when ammonia builds up in the blood.

Cause

  • Ammonia is a CNS depressant and the liver is unable to metabolize it to produce urea.

Clinical Manifestation

  • Mental haziness
  • Memory, concentration, and focus issues.
  • Decreased sleep
  • Asterixis(involuntary movement of hand)

Diagnostic Assessment

  • Higher blood ammonia levels

Medical Management

  • To lower the serum ammonia level, lactulose is administered.
  • Glucose intravenously administered to reduce protein breakdown
  • Dietary control.
  • Limit your protein intake.

Nursing Management

  • Regular evaluation of neurostatus
  • Keep the intake and outflow chart current.
  • Daily weight checking
  • Observe the serum ammonia level.
  • Limit your protein intake.

© 2021 Saralmind. All Rights Reserved.