108: Liver Failure Part 1: Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

No matter your specialty, every nurse cares for patients with liver failure. Host Sarah Lorenzini starts off this four-part series on liver failure by sharing the story of a rapid response call that featured classic complications of cirrhosis: ascites, jaundice, and hypotension. Exacerbating the patient’s terminal condition was a suspected diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

In this episode, Sarah details how her team managed this case and breaks down the pathophysiology of cirrhosis, including why liver failure leads to so many complications. She covers how to assess and care for patients with cirrhosis, emphasizing the important role of nurses in educating families on liver failure.

Tune in for critical insights into the management of liver failure and its complications!

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Initial assessment of a rapid response call for hypotension
• Pathophysiology of cirrhosis and its complications
• Management of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
• Role of nurses in liver failure patient care

Mentioned in this episode:

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