Question 1

what is the nursing diagnosis for encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

GENERIC TERM: The meaning is nonspecific and refers to brain (encephalo), pathology (pathy).   That is any brain abnormality which might be diffuse, could be labeled with term.  Does not imply any causation or actual underlying diagnosis.

Question 2

what may be the cause for hepatic encephalopathy in women?

Accepted Answer

Liver disease: Hepatic encephalopathy is always caused by severe liver malfunction. There are a large number of causes, including liver damage from viruses ( hepatitis) toxins, tylenol (acetaminophen) overdose, alcohol abuse, and even autoimmune diseases. There are other less common causes of liver injury as well.

Question 3

what is the definition or description of: hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Altered mental statu: Disturbance of consciousness from confusion to coma as a result of liver failure usually due to high levels of serum ammonia.

Question 4

what does hepatic encephalopathy grade2 mean and what are the consequences?

Accepted Answer

Variable: Hepatic encephalopathy (he) grade 2 usually infers lethargy or apathy; minimal disorientation for time or place; subtle personality change; inappropriate behavior.  However, many things can change that, making it worse or better.  Medications, such as lactulose or rifaximin, are used to treat he, and dietary indiscretion as well as infection or worsening liver function will make he worse.

Question 5

what is the treatment for hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Underlying cause: The treatment of hepatic encephalopathy is three fold:
1) treat underlying cause of liver injury if possible ( so stop liver toxic drugs, steroids for autoimmune liver disease)
2) in patients with chronic liver disease, treat problems that can worsen the situation and cause encephalopathy such as infections, etc.
3) drugs to lower the ammonia levels, ammonia being too high in this condition.

Question 6

what is the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

This manifestation : Of liver disease occurs when the detoxifying function of the liver is compromised usually by chronic liver disease of one sort or another.  We measure ammonia levels in the blood as a marker for this dysfunction but other nitrogen containing substances are more responsible.

Question 7

what is best anticonvulsant in ptn. with hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

??PTN: I don't know what you mean by ptn.  However, hepatic encephalopathy generally refers to the confusion that patients with cirrhosis develop.  The sick liver is unable to clear toxins which then affect the brain.  The patient will experience memory difficulties, difficulty with sleep, alterations in personality, and at its worse, it can cause coma.

Question 8

what are the roles of herbs in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

None!: I do not know of any good herbs that can help you. It is a serious problem and only a liver specialist(hepatologist) can help you with this problem.

Question 9

what is the life expectancy of an 80 year old lady with hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Poor prognosis: Generally speaking hepatic encephalopathy occurs with advanced liver disease. Hepatic encephalopathy is associated with short survival in cirrhotic patients. Although these patients can be classified into several groups with a different prognosis, the survival probability in every group is lower than that currently expected after liver transplantation.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/10365817/.

Question 10

can hepatic encephalopathy cause someone to have spontaneous movements and be unresponsive?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Those movements may have been myoclonus. If their liver disease is treated successfully, they can have a good recovery. Hope that helps!

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Doctor answers about:

Hepatic encephalopathy nursing diagnosis

A member asked:

What is the nursing diagnosis for encephalopathy?

A member asked:

What may be the cause for hepatic encephalopathy in women?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: hepatic encephalopathy?

A member asked:

What does hepatic encephalopathy grade2 mean and what are the consequences?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for hepatic encephalopathy?

A member asked:

What is the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy?

A member asked:

What is best anticonvulsant in ptn. with hepatic encephalopathy?

A member asked:

What are the roles of herbs in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy?

A member asked:

What is the life expectancy of an 80 year old lady with hepatic encephalopathy?

A member asked:

Can hepatic encephalopathy cause someone to have spontaneous movements and be unresponsive?

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