Question

Which interventions should be initiated during the acute phase of cirrhosis?

1) Administer diuretics
2) Administer lactulose
3) Administer antibiotics
4) Administer beta blockers
5) Administer proton pump inhibitors

Answer 1

During the acute phase of cirrhosis, treatment interventions focus on managing complications and include administering diuretics, lactulose, antibiotics, beta blockers, and proton pump inhibitors.

Step-by-step explanation:

Acute Phase Interventions for Cirrhosis

During the acute phase of cirrhosis, specific interventions are critical to manage complications and support liver function. These include:

1. Administer diuretics: To treat ascites and reduce fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
2. Administer lactulose: To manage hepatic encephalopathy by reducing ammonia levels in the blood.
3. Administer antibiotics: As a prophylactic measure against infections such as spontaneous bacterial peritonitis which cirrhotic patients are at high risk for.
4. Administer beta blockers: To decrease blood pressure in the veins that supply the liver (portal hypertension) and to prevent bleeding from esophageal varices.
5. Administer proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): To prevent gastrointestinal bleeding from ulcers or gastritis, which cirrhotic patients are prone to due to altered blood flow and mucosal defenses.

The management of cirrhosis is comprehensive, aiming to reduce the risk of further liver damage and address the varied complications associated with the disease.