(^308) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Monitor vital signs.
- Monitor intake and output.
- Monitor stool for occult blood.
- Assess abdomen for bowel sounds, tenderness.
- Teach patient about:
- Diet restrictions: avoid alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods.
- Medications.
- The need to avoid smoking.
- The need to avoid NSAIDs.
Hepatitis
WHAT WENT WRONG?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver cells. This is most commonly due to a
viral cause which may be either an acute illness or become chronic. The disease
may also be due to exposure to drugs or toxins.
Hepatitis A is transmitted via an oral route, often due to contaminated water or
poor sanitation when traveling; it is also transmitted in daycare settings and resi-
dential institutions. It can be prevented by vaccine.
Hepatitis B is transmitted via a percutaneous route, often due to sexual contact,
IV drug use, mother-to-neonate transmission or possibly blood transfusion. It can
be prevented by vaccine.
Hepatitis C is transmitted via a percutaneous route, often due to IV drug use or,
less commonly, sexual contact. There is currently no vaccine available.
Hepatitis D is transmitted via a percutaneous route and needs hepatitis B to
spread cell to cell. There is no vaccine available for hepatitis D.
Hepatitis E is transmitted via an oral route and is associated with water con-
tamination. There is no known chronic state of hepatitis E and no current vaccine
available.
Hepatitis G is transmitted via a percutaneous route and is associated with chronic
infection but not significant liver disease.
Exposure to medications (even at therapeutic doses), drugs, or chemicals can
also cause hepatitis. Onset is usually within the first couple of days of use, and may
be within the first couple of doses. Hepatotoxic substances include acetamino-
phen, carbon tetrachloride, benzenes, and valproic acid.10