Hepatic encephalopathy
Structured condition card with NCLEX priority cues and nursing action focus.
GI / Liver / Pancreashigh priorityneeds review
Hepatic encephalopathy
Etiology / Pathophysiology
- Liver cannot clear ammonia and other toxins.
- Toxins affect brain function causing confusion, lethargy, and coma risk.
Medications
| Class | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Lactulose | Promotes ammonia removal through stool. |
Nursing actions
- Assess orientation, asterixis, sleep pattern, and airway risk.
- Monitor stool goal, hydration, and electrolytes with lactulose.
- Prevent injury and treat precipitating factors such as infection or GI bleed.
Complications
- Aspiration
- Falls
- Coma
- Cerebral edema in severe cases
NCLEX cues
- Asterixis, confusion, ammonia elevation.
- Lactulose causing stools is expected within ordered goal.
Memory hooks
- Ammonia clouds the brain; lactulose moves it out.
Labs / Diagnostics
- Trend assessment findings and ordered diagnostics; verify exact values with school source material.
Review notes
- Session-derived study seed. Verify against school materials, ATI/NCLEX review sources, current orders, and facility policy before relying on details.