ACUTE LIVER FAILURE

BY

RAPHAEL CHIDIEBERE

MAT NO: 2018/114946/REGULAR

PRESENTED TO
DEPARTMENT OF NURSING SCIENCES
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY, UTURU

JUNE 2023
 INTRODUCTION
Acute liver failure (ALF), is a severe and rapid deterioration of
liver function. It is characterized by the sudden loss of liver cell
function and can lead to life-threatening complications.
Aims and Objectives:
• Identify the causes and risk factors of acute liver failure
• To identify the diagnostic investigations of acute liver failure
• Outline the management of acute liver failure.
Concept of the Study
Definition: Acute Liver Failure is typically defined as the
development of severe liver dysfunction within six months of the
onset of symptoms in a person without pre-existing liver disease.
The liver performs vital functions in the body, such as metabolizing
nutrients, filtering toxins, producing bile, and synthesizing proteins.
When liver failure occurs these functions are severely impaired or
completely lost.
Causes
Acute liver failure can occur even if you don’t already have a
pre-existing liver disease. The most common causes of ALF
include;
• Aceteminophen overdose
• Viral infections
• Autoimmune diseases
Symptoms of Acute live Failure
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice
• Weight loss
• Itching
• Ascites
• Edema in the legs
 NURSING MANAGEMENT OF ACUTE LIVER FAILURE

• Monitor vital signs regularly

• Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance, including intake and output,

daily weights, and laboratory values.

• Provide appropriate nutritional support, which may include enteral or

parenteral nutrition, in consultation with a dietitian.

• Instruct the patient to avoid alcohol and foods such as red meat or

eggs, to avoid indigestion

• Encourage mobility and early ambulation as tolerated to prevent

complications associated with immobility

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
• IV mannitol
• Midazolam
• Acetlcysteine
• Antibioticcs such as penicillin
Conclusion
Acute liver failure (ALF), is a severe and rapid deterioration of
liver function. It is characterized by the sudden loss of liver cell
function and can lead to life-threatening complications. Common
symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, ascites, itching and
edema. The management of acute liver failure involves
administering IV fluids, providing high calorie, low protein diet,
assessing the patients mental status and preventing complications
such as pneumonia, sepsis or coma.
THANKS FOR LISTENING