Cirrhosis
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
GI / Liver / Pancreashigh priorityneeds review
Cirrhosis
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Chronic liver injury from alcohol, viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or other causes.
- Scarred liver cannot synthesize proteins, detoxify ammonia, or manage portal blood flow normally.
Nursing actions
- Assess bleeding, ascites, edema, jaundice, mental status, and infection signs.
- Monitor PT/INR, albumin, ammonia, electrolytes, and weight.
- Teach avoiding alcohol and bleeding precautions.
Complications
- Variceal bleeding
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Ascites infection
- Coagulopathy
NCLEX cues
- Prolonged PT/INR because liver makes clotting factors.
- Confusion plus high ammonia.
Memory hooks
- Liver fails: bleed, fluid, toxins.
Labs / Diagnostics
- PT/INR
- Albumin
- Ammonia
- Bilirubin
- AST/ALT
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.