EP 40 - Hepatitis & Cirrhosis

The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the body—but when it starts to fail, the consequences are far-reaching and potentially fatal. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN breaks down liver anatomy and function to help you understand the production, metabolism, and conversion pathways that keep the body running smoothly—and what happens when hepatitis or cirrhosis brings that to a screeching halt. Through a powerful PICU case study of a teenager with untreated hepatitis C, you’ll learn how inflammation leads to scarring, how to recognize the complications of cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy, and why medications like lactulose and neomycin can mean the difference between confusion and coma. You’ll learn: What causes hepatitis (+ a helpful memory trick to recall them!) and how it progresses to cirrhosis Signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy—and what signs to watch out for Why lactulose is given and what a therapeutic response really looks like A real-life critical care case that puts it all together This episode is essential listening for students studying the GI system, NCLEX test-takers, and nurses working with clients facing liver failure. Find everything Archer Review has to offer: ⁠⁠archerreview.link/PulseCheck⁠⁠ Use code PULSECHECK10 - an exclusive discount just for our listeners! Connect with us!  📸 Instagram: @archernursing 📘 Facebook: Archer NCLEX Review 🎵 TikTok: @archernursing ▶️ YouTube: Archer Review NCLEX, USMLE, TEAS7, and FNP