Overview of Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is a common clinical chronic progressive liver disease, diffuse liver damage formed by one or more causes of long-term or repeated action. In China, most of them are post hepatitis cirrhosis, and a few are alcoholic cirrhosis and schistosomal cirrhosis. The detection and management of existing and potential problems such as ascites, jaundice, gastrointestinal bleeding, etc., and the provision of appropriate physical, psychological and social care for cirrhotic patients are of great significance in assisting the treatment of cirrhosis as well as improving the prognosis.
Main nursing problems
1. Activity intolerance.
2. Nutritional disorders.
3. Possibility of impaired skin integrity.
4. potential complications such as hepatic encephalopathy, hemorrhage, etc.
Nursing measures
1. Psychological care
Cirrhosis patients often develop anxiety, tension and fear, which can affect the treatment of the disease in severe cases. Therefore, nursing staff should strengthen the communication with patients and their families, patiently explain the relevant knowledge of liver cirrhosis to patients, comfort and encourage patients, reduce the psychological burden of patients, and make patients more actively cooperate with the treatment.
2.Rest and activity nursing
Instruct patients to take proper bed rest and ensure sufficient sleep. If the patient’s condition permits, he/she can take part in relaxing activities, but avoid overwork.
3. Skin care
Those with jaundice are prone to skin itching, so patients should be instructed not to scratch the skin to prevent breakout and infection. For patients with ascites and lower limb edema, they should be instructed to wear loose clothes to avoid skin ulceration.
4. Observation of condition
Monitor the patient’s vital signs, and notify the doctor for resuscitation when palpitations, dizziness and other bleeding precursors occur. Observe the change of patient’s consciousness state, in order to find out whether there is hepatic encephalopathy in time. Observe the color and nature of the patient’s feces, and send them to the doctor for examination in time if black feces appear.
5.Medication care
Give liver-protecting drugs and diuretics as prescribed by doctor, observe the adverse effects of drugs, and supplement electrolytes as prescribed by doctor.
6.Dietary care
Instruct patients to eat high protein, high calorie, vitamin-rich, easy-to-digest food, eat small meals, avoid alcohol, avoid eating rough, hard, fried, spicy and irritating food. For those with liver function impairment, protein intake should be limited.
Health Advocacy
1. Ensure sufficient sleep and appropriate physical exercise, to the extent of not feeling fatigue.
2. Maintain a good state of mind and avoid mental stress.
3. Adopt good dietary habits and take reasonable meals.
4. Take medication as prescribed by the doctor and have regular checkups. If there is fatigue, black stools, etc., you should consult a doctor promptly.