CCRN: Liver Failure Questions and Correct Answers | Latest Update

What is one of the key clinical differences between acute and chronic hepatic failure? -:- Acute there will not be portal hypertension What is the most common cause of acute hepatic failure? -:- DILI (drug-induced)- most commonly by acetaminophen Labs indicative of acute hepatic failure: 1.) Bilirubin will be ___ x normal range along with jaundice 2.) Aminotransferase ___ x normal range ^ Presence of these = poor prognosis with 10-50% mortality without transplant -:- 1.) 2 x 2.) 3 x In event of acetaminophen overdose the reversal agent is -:- N Acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) 2 | P a g e | G r a d e A + | 2 0 2 4 / 2 0 2 5 Excel! 2 0 2 4 /2025 | © copyright | This work may not be copied for profit gain What happens to the liver in chronic hepatic failure? -:- -Hepatic parenchymal cells destroyed, replaced with fibrotic tissue -Constriction of blood flow leads to portal hypertension Where typically will jaundice be observed first? -:- Sclera Neuro Encephalopathy: Asterixis -:- Involuntary flapping of hands Why might you place a hypotensive liver patient with ascites on their side? 3 | P a g e | G r a d e A + | 2 0 2 4 / 2 0 2 5 Excel! 2 0 2 4 /2025 | © copyright | This work may not be copied for profit gain -:- Relieve pressure on the aorta from the ascites and increase venous return to the heart Why would you watch for sepsis in a hepatic failure patient? -:- Bacteria can enter the blood stream from ascites/GI tract Why do esophageal varices develop?(have elevated coag times with hepatic failure) -:- Portal hypertension; up to 30% mortality if bleed