Nursing care for a patient in the course of liver cirrhosis with the use of ICNP®

Abstract

Introduction. Liver cirrhosis is a chronic progressive disease characterized by scarring of the liver parenchyma. Cirrhosis of the liver is a progressive and irreversible disease leading to its failure. Impairment of liver function inevitably leads to a number of changes in the human body. It is currently estimated that approximately 60% of patients die within four years of diagnosis of liver failure. Cirrhosis of the liver reduces the quality of life, causing increasing social, mental, health and emotional problems. Hepatic encephalopathy, which leads to brain damage, is a serious complication of long-term intoxication resulting from liver failure.

Aim of the study. The aim of the study is to apply appropriate nursing interventions to a patient with liver cirrhosis resulting from alcohol abuse in a hospital ward.

Case study. A 34-year-old man with cirrhosis of the liver in the period of relative liver efficiency resulting from many years of alcohol abuse hospitalized in the hospital ward due to decompensation of the liver function in the form of yellowing skin integuments, edema of the lower legs, trace ascites and symptoms of fluid in the right pleural cavity.

Conclusions. Comprehensive care provided by the medical staff significantly improved the general condition and well-being of the patient, but all activities should be systematically implemented to counteract the progressive process of liver failure.