Question Answered step-by-step Case Study:Phil is a 54-year-old male who presents to the provider with an enlarging abdomen and weight gain despite no appetite. He describes difficulty climbing stairs due to feeling short of breath and has needed to sleep in a recliner for the last four weeks. He has no chronic medical conditions and only takes twice-daily acetaminophen for backaches associated with his job as an auto repair specialist. He consumes alcohol on a near daily basis, going to the local bar at least 4 evenings per week and usually one weekend afternoon, especially during football season. He prefers to drink vodka or whiskey, usually 3-4 drinks, but says he is never “drunk” and has never missed a day of work. Phil does not smoke cigarettes, but has smoked marijuana daily for over 30 years. Following the evaluation, Phil is found to have advanced cirrhosis of the liver with splenomegaly, malnutrition and ascites.  The top priority for Phil’s care is his dyspnea, which is secondary to his ascites.  What is the pathophysiology of ascites?  What procedure will the nurse anticipate the doctor will perform and how will this help the dyspnea?Based on the scenario including the diagnoses, what two additional (besides dyspnea and ascites) concerns require a deeper assessment?  How do these concerns affect the pathophysiology of cirrhosis?Phil says he could sign up for a program to get a new liver.  What are the ethical and medical considerations for patients with recent alcohol abuse being added to liver transplant lists? Health Science Science Nursing NUR 376 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)

Question Answered step-by-step Case Study:Phil is a 54-year-old male who presents to the provider with an enlarging abdomen and weight gain despite no appetite. He describes difficulty climbing stairs due to feeling short of breath and has needed to sleep in a recliner for the last four weeks. He has no chronic medical conditions and only takes twice-daily acetaminophen for backaches associated with his job as an auto repair specialist. He consumes alcohol on a near daily basis, going to the local bar at least 4 evenings per week and usually one weekend afternoon, especially during football season. He prefers to drink vodka or whiskey, usually 3-4 drinks, but says he is never “drunk” and has never missed a day of work. Phil does not smoke cigarettes, but has smoked marijuana daily for over 30 years. Following the evaluation, Phil is found to have advanced cirrhosis of the liver with splenomegaly, malnutrition and ascites.  The top priority for Phil’s care is his dyspnea, which is secondary to his ascites.  What is the pathophysiology of ascites?  What procedure will the nurse anticipate the doctor will perform and how will this help the dyspnea?Based on the scenario including the diagnoses, what two additional (besides dyspnea and ascites) concerns require a deeper assessment?  How do these concerns affect the pathophysiology of cirrhosis?Phil says he could sign up for a program to get a new liver.  What are the ethical and medical considerations for patients with recent alcohol abuse being added to liver transplant lists? Health Science Science Nursing NUR 376 Share QuestionEmailCopy link Comments (0)