Cirrhosis Case Study (45 min)

Mr. Garcia is a 43-year-old male who presented to the ED complaining of nausea and vomiting x 3 days. The nurse notes a large, distended abdomen and yellowing of the patient’s skin and eyes.  The patient reports a history of alcoholic cirrhosis.

Mr. Garcia’s vitals are stable, BP 100/58, bowel sounds are active but distant, and the nurse notes a positive fluid wave test on his abdomen.  The patient denies itching but is constantly scratching at his chest. He is oriented to person only and his brother at the bedside reports he hasn’t been himself today.  He keeps trying to get out of bed

The provider places orders for the following:

Keep SpO2 > 92%

Keep HOB > 30 degrees

Insert 2 large bore PIV’s

500 mL NS IV bolus STAT

100 mL/hr NS IV continuous infusion

Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen 5-500 mg 1-2 tabs q4h PRN moderate to severe pain

Diphenhydramine 25 mg PO q8h PRN itching

Ondansetron 4 mg IV q6h PRN nausea

Lactulose 20 mg PO q6h

Mr. Garcia’s LFT’s and Ammonia level are elevated. He is extremely confused and agitated and appears somewhat short of breath. The patient’s current vital signs are as follows:

HR 82 RR 22

BP 94/56 SpO2 93%

Temp 98.9°F

The order is changed to Fentanyl 25 mcg IV q4h PRN moderate to severe pain. The provider notes somewhat shallow breathing and severe ascites and requests for you to set up for paracentesis. At this time, you express your concern that the patient is extremely confused and agitated and trying to get out of bed. You do not feel that he will be still enough for the procedure.  The provider agrees and plans to postpone the paracentesis for now, but orders for you to report any signs of respiratory depression or hypoxia.

After 6 doses of lactulose, Mr. Garcia is much more calm and cooperative. He is oriented times 2-3 most times. The provider performs the paracentesis and is able to remove 1.5 L of fluid. The patient’s shortness of breath is relieved, and his breathing is less shallow.  Ultrasound of the liver showed severe scarring on the liver. Mr. Garcia’s condition continues to improve, and the plan is to discharge him home tomorrow.