Definition
Hepatitis is a widespread inflammation of the liver that results in degeneration and necrosis of liver cells. Inflammation of the liver can be due to bacterial invasion, injury by physical or toxic chemical agents (e.g., drugs, alcohol, industrial chemicals), viral infections (hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, G), or autoimmune response. Although most hepatitis is self-limiting, approximately 20% of acute hepatitis B and 50% of hepatitis C cases progress to a chronic state or cirrhosis and can be fatal.
Nursing Priorities
- Reduce demands on liver while promoting physical well-being.
- Prevent complications.
- Enhance self-concept, acceptance of situation.
- Provide information about disease process, prognosis, and treatment needs.
Discharge Goals
- Meeting basic self-care needs.
- Complications prevented/minimized.
- Dealing with reality of current situation.
- Disease process, prognosis, and therapeutic regimen understood.
- Plan in place to meet needs after discharge.
Nursing Care Plans
This post includes 7 Hepatitis Nursing Care Plan (NCP).
Imbalanced Nutrition
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Nutrition: imbalanced, less than body requirements
May be related to
- Insufficient intake to meet metabolic demands: anorexia, nausea/vomiting
- Altered absorption and metabolism of ingested foods: reduced peristalsis (visceral reflexes), bile stasis
- Increased calorie needs/hypermetabolic state
Possibly evidenced by
- Aversion to eating/lack of interest in food; altered taste sensation
- Abdominal pain/cramping
- Loss of weight; poor muscle tone
Desired Outcomes
- Initiate behaviors, lifestyle changes to regain/maintain appropriate weight.
- Demonstrate progressive weight gain toward goal with normalization of laboratory values and no signs of malnutrition.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Monitor dietary intake/calorie count. Suggest several small feedings and offer “largest” meal at breakfast. | Large meals are difficult to manage when patient is anorexic. Anorexia may also worsen during the day, making intake of food difficult later in the day. |
| Encourage mouth care before meals. | Eliminating unpleasant taste may enhance appetite. |
| Recommend eating in upright position. | Reduces sensation of abdominal fullness and may enhance intake. |
| Encourage intake of fruit juices, carbonated beverages, and hard candy throughout the day. | These supply extra calories and may be more easily digested/tolerated than other foods. |
| Consult with dietitian, nutritional support team to provide diet according to patient’s needs, with fat and protein intake as tolerated. | Useful in formulating dietary program to meet individual needs. Fat metabolism varies according to bile production and excretion and may necessitate restriction of fat intake if diarrhea develops. If tolerated, a normal or increased protein intake helps with liver regeneration. Protein restriction may be indicated in severe disease (e.g., fulminating hepatitis) because the accumulation of the end products of protein metabolism can potentiate hepatic encephalopathy. |
| Monitor serum glucose as indicated. | Hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia may develop, necessitating dietary changes/insulin administration. Fingerstick monitoring may be done by patient on a regular schedule to determine therapy needs. |
| Administer medications as indicated:Antiemetics, e.g., metoclopramide (Reglan), trimethobenzamide (Tigan);Antacids, e.g., Mylanta, Titralac;
Vitamins, e.g., B complex, C, other dietary supplements as indicated;
Steroid therapy, e.g., prednisone (Deltasone), alone or in combination with azathioprine (Imuran). |
Given 1/2 hr before meals, may reduce nausea and increase food tolerance. Note: Prochlorperazine (Compazine) is contraindicated in hepatic disease.Counteracts gastric acidity, reducing irritation/risk of bleeding.Corrects deficiencies and aids in the healing process.
Steroids may be contraindicated because they can increase risk of relapse/development of chronic hepatitis in patients with viral hepatitis; however, anti-inflammatory effect may be useful in chronic active hepatitis (especially idiopathic) to reduce nausea/vomiting and enable patient to retain food and fluids. Steroids may decrease serum aminotransferase and bilirubin levels, but they do not affect liver necrosis or regeneration. Combination therapy has fewer steroid-related side effects. |
| Provide supplemental feedings/TPN if needed. | May be necessary to meet caloric requirements if marked deficits are present/symptoms are prolonged. |
Deficient Fluid Volume
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Fluid Volume, risk for deficient
Risk factors may include
- Excessive losses through vomiting and diarrhea, third-space shift
- Altered clotting process
Possibly evidenced by
- [Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]
Desired Outcomes
- Maintain adequate hydration, as evidenced by stable vital signs, good skin turgor, capillary refill, strong peripheral pulses, and individually appropriate urinary output.
- Be free of signs of hemorrhage with clotting times WNL.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Monitor I&O, compare with periodic weight. Note enteric losses, e.g., vomiting and diarrhea. | Provides information about replacement needs/effects of therapy. Note: Diarrhea may be due to transient flulike response to viral infection or may represent a more serious problem of obstructed portal blood flow with vascular congestion in the GI tract, or it may be the intended result of medication use (neomycin, lactulose) to decrease serum ammonia levels in the presence of hepatic encephalopathy. |
| Assess vital signs, peripheral pulses, capillary refill, skin turgor, and mucous membranes. | Indicators of circulating volume/perfusion. |
| Check for ascites for edema formation. Measure abdominal girth as indicated. | Useful in monitoring progression/resolution of fluid shifts (edema/ascites). |
| Use small-gauge needles for injections, applying pressure for longer than usual after venipuncture. | Reduces possibility of bleeding into tissues. |
| Have patient use cotton/sponge swabs and mouthwash instead of toothbrush. | Avoids trauma and bleeding of the gums. |
| Observe for signs of bleeding, e.g., hematuria/melena, ecchymosis, oozing from gums/puncture sites | Prothrombin levels are reduced and coagulation times prolonged when vitamin K absorption is altered in GI tract and synthesis of prothrombin is decreased in affected liver. |
| Monitor periodic laboratory values, e.g., Hb/Hct, Na, albumin, and clothing times. | Reflects hydration and identifies sodium retention/protein deficits, which may lead to edema formation. Deficits in clotting potentiate risk of bleeding/hemorrhage. |
| Administer antidiarrheal agents, e.g., diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil). | Reduces fluid/electrolyte loss from GI tract. |
| Provide IV fluids (usually glucose), electrolytes.Protein hydrolysates. | Provides fluid and electrolyte replacement in acute toxic state. |
| Administer medications as indicated, e.g.:Vitamin K;Antacids or H2-receptor antagonists, e.g., cimetidine (Tagamet).
Infuse fresh frozen plasma, as indicated. |
Correction of albumin/protein deficits can aid in return of fluid from tissues to the circulatory system.Because absorption is altered, supplementation may prevent coagulation problems, which may occur if clotting factors/prothrombin time (PT) is depressed.Neutralize/reduce gastric secretions to lower risk of gastric irritation/bleeding.May be required to replace clotting factors in the presence of coagulation defects. |
Low Self-Esteem
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Self-Esteem, situational low
May be related to
- Annoying/debilitating symptoms, confinement/isolation, length of illness/recovery period
Possibly evidenced by
- Verbalization of change in lifestyle; fear of rejection/reaction of others, negative feelings about body; feelings of helplessness
- Depression, lack of follow-through, self-destructive behavior
Desired Outcomes
- Verbalize feelings.
- Identify feelings and methods for coping with negative perception of self.
- Verbalize acceptance of self in situation, including length of recovery/need for isolation.
- Acknowledge self as worthwhile; be responsible for self.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Contract with patient regarding time for listening. Encourage discussion of feelings/concerns. | Establishing time enhances trusting relationship. Providing opportunity to express feelings allows patient to feel more in control of the situation. Verbalization can decrease anxiety and depression and facilitate positive coping behaviors. Patient may need to express feelings about being ill, length and cost of illness, possibility of infecting others, and (in severe illness) fear of death. May have concerns regarding the stigma of the disease. |
| Avoid making moral judgments regarding lifestyle (e.g., alcohol use/sexual practices). | Patient may already feel upset/angry and condemn self; judgments from others will further damage self-esteem. |
| Discuss recovery expectations. | Recovery period may be prolonged (up to 6 mo), potentiating family/situational stress and necessitating need for planning, support, and follow-up. |
| Assess effect of illness on economic factors of patient/SO. | Financial problems may exist because of loss of patient’s role functioning in the family/prolonged recovery. |
| Offer diversional activities based on energy level. | Enables patient to use time and energy in constructive ways that enhance self-esteem and minimize anxiety and depression. |
| Suggest patient wear bright reds or blues/blacks instead of yellows or greens. | Enhances appearance, because yellow skin tones are intensified by yellow/green colors. Note: Jaundice usually peaks within 1–2 wk, then gradually resolves over 2–4 wk. |
| Make appropriate referrals for help as needed, e.g., case manager/discharge planner, social services, and/or other community agencies. | Can facilitate problem solving and help involved individuals cope more effectively with situation. |
Risk for Infection
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Infection, risk for
Risk factors may include
- Inadequate secondary defenses (e.g., leukopenia, suppressed inflammatory response) and immunosuppression
- Malnutrition
- Insufficient knowledge to avoid exposure to pathogens
Possibly evidenced by
- [Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]
Desired Outcomes
- Verbalize understanding of individual causative/risk factor(s).
- Demonstrate techniques; initiate lifestyle changes to avoid reinfection/transmission to others.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Establish isolation techniques for enteric and respiratory infections according to infection guidelines/policy. Encourage/model effective handwashing. | Prevents transmission of viral disease to others. Thorough handwashing is effective in preventing virus transmission. Types A and E are transmitted by oral-fecal route, contaminated water, milk, and food (especially inadequately cooked shellfish). Types A, B, C, and D are transmitted by contaminated blood/blood products; needle punctures; open wounds; and contact with saliva, urine, stool, and semen. Incidence of both hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) has increased among healthcare providers and high-risk patients. Note: Toxic and alcoholic hepatitis are not communicable and do not require special measures/isolation. |
| Stress need to monitor/restrict visitors as indicated. | Patient exposure to infectious processes (especially respiratory) potentiates risk of secondary complications. |
| Explain isolation procedures to patient/SO. | Understanding reasons for safeguarding themselves and others can lessen feelings of isolation and stigmatization. Isolation may last 2–3 wk from onset of illness, depending on type/duration of symptoms. |
| Give information regarding availability of gamma globulin, ISG, H-BIG, HB vaccine (Recombivax HB, Engerix-B) through health department or family physician | Immune globulins may be effective in preventing viral hepatitis in those who have been exposed, depending on type of hepatitis and period of incubation. |
| Administer medications as indicated:Antiviral drugs: vidarabine (Vira-A), acyclovir (Zovirax);Interferon alfa-2b (Intron A);Ribavirin;
Antibiotics appropriate to causative agents (e.g., Gram-negative, anaerobic bacteria) or secondary process. |
Useful in treating chronic active hepatitis.Treats the symptoms of hepatitis C and may lead to temporary improvement in liver function.Used in conjunction with interferon to improve the effectiveness of that drug. Note: These treatments lead to improvement, not cure of the disease.
Used to treat bacterial hepatitis or to prevent/limit secondary infections. |
Fatigue
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Fatigue
May be related to
- Decreased metabolic energy production
- States of discomfort
- Altered body chemistry (e.g., changes in liver function, effect on target organs)
Possibly evidenced by
- Reports of lack of energy/inability to maintain usual routines.
- Decreased performance
- Increase in physical complaints
Desired Outcomes
- Report improved sense of energy.
- Perform ADLs and participate in desired activities at level of ability.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Promote bedrest/chair (recliner) rest during toxic state. Provide quiet environment; limit visitors as needed. | Promotes rest and relaxation. Available energy is used for healing. Activity and an upright position are believed to decrease hepatic blood flow, which prevents optimal circulation to the liver cells. |
| Recommend changing position frequently. Provide/instruct caregiver in good skin care. | Promotes optimal respiratory function and minimizes pressure areas to reduce risk of tissue breakdown. |
| Do necessary tasks quickly and at one time as tolerated. | Allows for extended periods of uninterrupted rest. |
| Determine and prioritize role responsibilities and alternative providers/possible community resources available | Promotes problem solving of most pressing needs of individual/family. |
| Identify energy-conserving techniques, e.g., sitting to shower and brush teeth, planning steps of activity so that all needed materials are at hand, scheduling rest periods. | Helps minimize fatigue, allowing patient to accomplish more and feel better about self. |
| Increase activity as tolerated, demonstrate passive/active ROM exercises. | Prolonged bedrest can be debilitating. This can be offset by limited activity alternating with rest periods. |
| Encourage use of stress management techniques, e.g., progressive relaxation, visualization, guided imagery. Discuss appropriate diversional activities, e.g., radio, TV, reading | Promotes relaxation and conserves energy, redirects attention, and may enhance coping. |
| Monitor for recurrence of anorexia and liver tenderness/ enlargement. | Indicates lack of resolution/exacarbation of the disease, requiring further rest, change in therapeutic regimen. |
| Administer medications as indicted: sedatives, antianxiety agents, e.g., diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan). | Assists in managing required rest. Note: Use of barbiturates and antianxiety agents, such as prochlorperazine (Compazine) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine), is contraindicated because of hepatotoxic effects. |
| Monitor serial liver enzyme levels. | Aids in determining appropriate levels of activity because premature increase in activity potentiates risk of relapse. |
| Administer antidote or assist with inpatient procedures as indicated (e.g., lavage, catharsis, hyperventilation) depending on route of exposure. | Removal of causative agent in toxic hepatitis may limit degree of tissue involvement/damage. |
Impaired Skin Integrity
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Skin/Tissue Integrity, risk for impaired
Risk factors may include
- Chemical substance: bile salt accumulation in the tissues
Possibly evidenced by
- [Not applicable; presence of signs and symptoms establishes an actual diagnosis.]
Desired Outcomes
- Display intact skin/tissues, free of excoriation.
- Report absence/decrease of pruritus/scratching.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Encourage use of cool showers and baking soda or starch baths. Avoid use of alkaline soaps. Apply calamine lotion as indicated. | Prevents excessive dryness of skin. Provides relief from itching. |
| Provide diversional activities. | Aids in refocusing attention, reducing tendency to scratch. |
| Suggest use of knuckles if desire to scratch is uncontrollable. Keep fingernails cut short, apply gloves on comatose patient or during hours of sleep. Recommend loose-fitting clothing. Provide soft cotton linens. | Reduces potential for dermal injury. |
| Provide a soothing massage at bedtime. | May be helpful in promoting sleep by reducing skin irritation. |
| Observe skin for areas of redness, breakdown. | Early detection of problem areas allows for additional intervention to prevent complications/promote healing. |
| Avoid comments regarding patient’s appearance. | Minimizes psychological stress associated with skin changes. |
| Administer medications as indicated:Antihistamines, e.g., diphenhydramine (Benadryl), azatadine (optimine);Antilipemics, e.g., cholestyramine (Questran). | Relieves itching. Note: Use cautiously in severe hepatic disease.May be used to bind bile acids in the intestine and prevent their absorption. Note side effects of nausea and constipation. |
Knowledge Deficit
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: Knowledge, deficient [Learning Need] regarding condition, prognosis, treatment, self-care, and discharge needs
May be related to
- Lack of exposure/recall; information misinterpretation
- Unfamiliarity with resources
Possibly evidenced by
- Questions or statements of misconception; request for information
- Inaccurate follow-through of instructions; development of preventable complications
Desired Outcomes
- Verbalize understanding of disease process, prognosis, and potential complications.
- Identify relationship of signs/symptoms to the disease and correlate symptoms with causative factors.
- Verbalize understanding of therapeutic needs.
- Initiate necessary lifestyle changes and participate in treatment regimen.
| Nursing Interventions | Rationale |
| Assess level of understanding of the disease process, expectations/prognosis, possible treatment options. | Identifies areas of lack of knowledge/misinformation and provides opportunity to give additional information as necessary. Note: Liver transplantation may be needed in the presence of fulminating disease with liver failure. |
| Provide specific information regarding prevention/transmission of disease, e.g., contacts may require gamma-globulin; personal items should not be shared; observe strict handwashing and sanitizing of clothes, dishes, and toilet facilities while liver enzymes are elevated. Avoid intimate contact, such as kissing and sexual contact, and exposure to infections, especially URI. | Needs/recommendations vary with type of hepatitis (causative agent) and individual situation. |
| Plan resumption of activity as tolerated with adequate periods of rest. Discuss restriction of heavy lifting, strenous exercise/contact sports. | It is not necessary to wait until serum bilirubin levels return to normal to resume activity (may take as long as 2 mo), but strenuous activity needs to be limited until the liver returns to normal size. When patient begins to feel better, he or she needs to understand the importance of continued adequate rest in preventing relapse or recurrence. (Relapse occurs in 5%–25% of adults.)Note: Energy level may take up to 3–6 mo to return to normal. |
| Help patient identify appropriate diversional activities. | Enjoyable activities promote rest and help patient avoid focusing on prolonged convalescence. |
| Encourage continuation of balanced diet. | Promotes general well-being and enhances energy for healing process/tissue regeneration. |
| Identify ways to maintain usual bowel function, e.g., adequate intake of fluids/dietary roughage, moderate activity/exercise to tolerance. | Decreased level of activity, changes in food/fluid intake, and slowed bowel motility may result in constipation. |
| Discuss the side effects and dangers of taking OTC/prescribed drugs (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, sulfonamides, some anesthetics) and necessity of notifying future healthcare providers of diagnosis. | Some drugs are toxic to the liver; many others are metabolized by the liver and should be avoided in severe liver diseases because they may cause cumulative toxic effects/chronic hepatitis. |
| Discuss restrictions on donating blood. | Prevents spread of infectious disease. Most state laws prevent accepting as donors those who have a history of any type of hepatitis. |
| Emphasize importance of follow-up physical examination and laboratory evaluation. | Disease process may take several months to resolve. If symptoms persist longer than 6 mo, liver biopsy may be required to verify presence of chronic hepatitis. |
| Review necessity of avoidance of alcohol for a minimum of 6–12 mo or longer based on individual tolerance. | Increases hepatic irritation and may interfere with recovery. |
| Refer to community resources, drug/alcohol treatment program as indicated. | May need additional assistance to withdraw from substance and maintain abstinence to avoid further liver damage. |
Other Possible Nursing Diagnoses
- Fatigue—generalized weakness, decreased strength/endurance, pain, imposed activity restrictions, depression.
- Home Maintenance, impaired—prolonged recovery/chronic condition, insufficient finances, inadequate support systems, unfamiliarity with neighborhood resources.
- Nutrition: imbalanced, less than body requirements—insufficient intake to meet metabolic demands: anorexia, nausea/vomiting; altered absorption and metabolism of ingested foods; increased calorie needs/hypermetabolic state.
- Infection, risk for—inadequate secondary defenses; malnutrition; insufficient knowledge to avoid exposure to pathogens.
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