Cirrhosis of the Liver

Cirrhosis of the liver is a common disorder that can severely impact patients’ lives. It is important to consider the many potential causes of cirrhosis and monitor patients that are likely candidates for the disorder. This allows the opportunity for prevention or, in some cases, early intervention. Patient education on prevention is critical because cirrhosis can lead to other serious disorders, including liver cancer. In this Discussion, you further explore causes of cirrhosis and the impact of the disorder on patients.

To prepare:

• Review this week’s media presentations on the gastrointestinal system, as well as the Starr article in the Learning Resources.
• Consider the pathophysiology of cirrhosis of the liver.
• Reflect on potential causes of cirrhosis and select one to be the focus of your Discussion. Consider additional health issues resulting from your selected cause.
• Think about drugs that might be used to slow down the progression of cirrhosis, including treatments for these health issues.
• Consider patient education methods for the prevention of cirrhosis.
• Post an explanation of the pathophysiology of cirrhosis of the liver. Include an explanation of two additional health issues resulting from one cause of cirrhosis. Then, describe drugs that might be used to slow down the progression of cirrhosis, including treatments for these health issues. Finally, explain methods to educate patients on the prevention of cirrhosis.