Case Study 
A patient Mrs. Kane, age 55, has been admitted to the hospital with liver failure.
History: chronic alcoholism and cirrhosis

Labs: Hgb 7.7 mg/dl(12-16)
         Bilirubin 8.5 mg/dl (0.3-1.0)
         Ammonia 100 mcg/dl (10-80)
         Albumin 2.1 g/dl (3.5-5.5)

 

The patient is disoriented and vomited bright red blood earlier in the day. Her husband is concerned about her yellow skin color and distended abdomen.

1. List two signs or symptoms of end-stage liver disease (one lab result and one sign), and explain to your clinical preceptor why each occurs in liver disease.

 

 

2. Pick another one of Mrs. Kane’s signs or symptoms and explain to the patient and her husband why this occurs in chronic liver disease