Word parts
What it means
The liver makes clotting factors and proteins, processes drugs and toxins, stores energy and makes bile. Liver disease includes hepatitis from viruses such as hepatitis B virushep-uh-TY-tis BEE VY-rusThe virus that causes hepatitis B, an infection of the liver.Full entry , fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease and cirrhosis (scarring). As it worsens, it can cause jaundiceJAWN-disYellow color of the skin, the whites of the eyes and other tissues from too much bilirubin in the blood.Full entry , fluid in the belly (ascites), easy bleeding, swollen veins in the esophagus and confusion from toxins building up.
For the nurse
Watch for bleeding and check clotting tests, because the liver makes fewer clotting factors. Many drugs need lower doses, and acetaminophen is limited. Teach the client to avoid alcohol.
At a glance
| Spanish | enfermedad hepática |
|---|---|
| Also written | hepatic disease |
Related terms
jaundice
Yellow color of the skin, the whites of the eyes and other tissues from too much bilirubin in the blood.
hepatitis B virus
The virus that causes hepatitis B, an infection of the liver.
prothrombin time
A blood test that measures how many seconds it takes a blood sample to form a clot.
clotting factor
Any of the proteins in blood plasma that work together in a chain to form a blood clot.