Hepatitis
Med Surg: GI - Gastrointestinal
Pathophysiology
Type
A
B
C
D
E
Refers to an inflammatory condition of the
liver, commonly caused by a viral infection.
Non-viral causes are:
• Alcohol
• Autoimmune dissease where the body attacks itself
There are 5 types, but the most tested are the B & C
Transmission
Fecal-oral
(contaminated food)
Blood & body fluids
Blood & body fluids
B
Co-infection with Hep B
Fecal-oral
Contaminated drinking water
D
Causes & Risk
• BCD - blood & body fluids
• IV drug use, tatoos, body piercings
• Sharing razors
• Unprotected sex
BCD
MEMORY TRICK
A - Anus to mouth
BC - Blood Cultures & Sex
E - E. Coli water (contaminated water)
Signs & Symptoms
• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue (malaise)
• N/V
Normal Liver Disease Signs
Elevated Liver Enzymes
Itching “pruritus”
ALT
Elevated bilirubin
● Jaundice
● Dark colored urine
● Clay color stools “Pale stools”
AST
● ALT & AST
● Bilirubin
PT
aPTT
Elevated PT & aPTT
● Bruising
Diagnostics
Low Albumin
● Edema
Complications
Education
● Acute liver failure
● Cirrhosis
● Liver cancer
● Gallbladder issues
Liver biopsy
After procedure
Lay on RIGHT SIDE to
prevent bleeding
1. Small frequent meals to prevent nausea
● Low Protein (all liver disease)
● Low fat foods (until nausea subsides)
2. Frequent rest periods
3. Protected sex!
Treatments
A
4. AVOID drinking alcohol
/ Acetaminophen (tylenol)
- typically resolves on
its own with bed rest
Saunders
The nurse is teaching the client with
viral hepatitis ... this disease is
characterized by which specific
assessment findings?
Select all that apply.
● Jaundice
● Clay-colored stools
● Elevated bilirubin levels
● Dark or tea-colored urine
B
C
- treated with
antiviral medications
Saunders
The nurse should incorporate which
dietary plan to ensure optimal nutrition…
during the acute phase of hepatitis?
Select all that apply.
● Consume multiple small meals
throughout the day
● Allow the client to select foods
that are most appealing
● Eliminate fatty foods from
the meal trays until nausea subsides
5. AVOID sharing shaving razors,
toothbrushes
Common NCLEX Question
Modes of transmission for
hepatitis C?
Select all that apply.
1. Blood
2. Contaminated water
Common NCLEX Question
A client is admitted with
hepatitis and complains of
constant itching. What
interventions would the nurse
recommend? SATA
1. Apply a moisturizer
3. Fecal oral
2. Avoid the sun
4. Semen
3. Apply a cold compress
5. Vaginal secretions
4. Apply a hot pad
Common NCLEX Question
A client has hepatitis … What
advice should the nurse include
regarding personal living?
Do not share
personal care products