Liver cirrhosis research paper

Document Type:Research Paper

Subject Area:Nursing

Document 1

There is an association of cellular involvement in the development of cirrhosis. The activation of the hepatic satellite cells (HSC) is an initial step in the development of liver cirrhosis. Exposure to multiple insults or inflammatory cytokines activates the HSC leading to changes such as the increased collagen and extracellular matrix production which lead to fibrosis. Cirrhosis is the advanced stage of the liver fibrosis which results due to a continued insult of the liver and characterized by the distortion of the hepatic architecture characterized with the vascularization of the fibrotic septa which surrounds the hepatocyte nodules and the development of shunts within the septa. In Mr. Prothrombin time tests also indicative of a poorly functioning liver as the liver is involved in the production of clotting factors.

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Increased clotting time indicates a poorly functioning liver. Other laboratory tests feasible in cirrhosis are complete blood counts and blood test for hepatitis. The management of cirrhosis is targeted toward managing the underlying causes of the condition. Medications that can be used in its management include; antiviral medications for hepatitis, Acamprosate for alcoholics (Angeli et al. In acute care, non-pharmacological care approaches for patients include patient education/counseling on the implications of alcohol abuse. Attachment of the patients to support groups such as alcoholic anonymous and involvement of family in their care is core. Dietary counseling is also an integral part of the management approach for patients with cirrhosis as their dietary intake such as intake of high fatty food may contribute towards the development of fatty liver disease or worsening it.

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Pharmacological management involves the prescription and administration of medications that aim to manage underlying causes of cirrhosis or to mitigate the symptoms of the condition such as Hermetics, pain medications, antiviral management for hepatitis and management of complications. Potential complications of cirrhosis among others include; ascites characterized by pooling of fluids in the abdomen, symptoms include abdominal pain and discomfort. The patient will require education on the possible complications such as hepatic encephalopathy characterized by cognitive changes or spontaneous peritonitis so as to ensure the patient is able to seek medical support as needed. Hyperlipidemia Health plan The management of hyperlipidemia will aim to target the patient’s dietary and exercise management. The plan will include; A reduction of saturated fat intake limiting saturated fats to less than 7% of the caloric intake (Shattat, 2014).

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The patient should replace the saturated fats with monosaturated and poly-saturated fats. An increased intake of low protein foods with a reduction in high protein sources of diet such as eggs, beef, and chicken. Usually, a combination of treatment modalities for arthritis are used and have proven to be more effective (Aletaha & Smolen, 2018). Medication that is commonly used to manage arthritis will include analgesics and nutritional supplements such as omega-3 which alleviates inflammation in arthritis Chondroitin which contributes to easing of the discomfort in arthritis among others. Exercise and nutrition are imperative to ensuring effective management of arthritis. An elaborate exercise plan ought to help in maintaining the right weight and building strength in muscles which is essential in preventing joint damage and risk of falls in patients(Aletaha & Smolen, 2018).

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