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 hypotensionPathophysiology of cirrhosis and its complicationsManagement of spontaneous bacterial peritonitisRole of nurses in liver failure patient careMentioned in this episode:Rapid Response Academy LinkWanna check out Rapid Response Academy: The Heart and Science of Caring for the Sick? click this link to learn more: https://www.rapidresponseandrescue.com/community