In this post we will discuss about 7 liver abscess nursing diagnosis. Liver abscess is a condition where pus-filled pockets form in the liver. The condition can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical attention. Here are seven nursing diagnoses, interventions, and evaluations for patients with liver abscess.
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7 Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
When there is a collection of pus or infected fluid inside the liver, it is said to have a liver abscess. It may be brought on by parasites, bacterial or fungal diseases, or another source. The main goals of nursing care for liver abscess are to treat symptoms, avoid complications, and hasten healing.
The following nursing diagnosis may apply to a liver abscess:
- Risk for infection related to the presence of an abscess in the liver.
- Acute pain related to inflammation and pressure of the abscess on surrounding structures.
- Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to decreased appetite and nausea.
- Anxiety related to the diagnosis and treatment of liver abscess.
- Risk for impaired skin integrity related to prolonged bed rest.
- Disturbed sleep pattern related to pain, discomfort, and anxiety.
- Knowledge deficit related to the disease process and treatment plan.
- Impaired Liver Function: Related to inflammation and damage to liver tissue, decreased bile production, and impaired metabolism of drugs and toxins.
- Risk for Complications: Related to sepsis, hemorrhage, hepatic failure, or other complications associated with the underlying cause of the abscess.
- Impaired Comfort: Related to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.
1. Risk for infection related to the presence of an abscess in the liver – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- Examine vital signs and keep an eye out for infection-related symptoms including fever, chills, and an elevated white blood cell count.
- Give antibiotics as directed by the doctor.
- Encourage the patient to wash their hands properly and practise excellent hygiene.
- Inform the patient and their family about the symptoms of an infection and the value of taking their medications as prescribed.
Evaluation:
- The patient will demonstrate comprehension of the need of keeping up with good hygiene and taking antibiotics as directed.
- The patient’s vital signs will remain stable, and there won’t be any evidence of infection.
2. Acute pain related to inflammation and pressure of the abscess on surrounding structures – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- Assess the patient’s pain level using a pain scale.
- Administer pain medications as prescribed by the physician.
- Position the patient in a comfortable position and provide pillows for support.
- Encourage the patient to practice relaxation techniques.
Evaluation:
- The patient will report a decrease in pain level.
- The patient will be able to participate in activities of daily living without discomfort.
3. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements related to decreased appetite and nausea – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- Monitor the patient’s nutritional status and intake.
- Offer small, frequent meals and snacks.
- Encourage the patient to eat foods high in protein and calories.
- Administer anti-nausea medication as prescribed by the physician.
Evaluation:
- The patient will demonstrate an increased appetite and will consume a sufficient amount of calories and protein.
- The patient’s weight will remain stable or increase.
4. Anxiety related to the diagnosis and treatment of liver abscess – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- Evaluate the patient’s level of anxiety.
- Inform them about the illness and the recommended treatment.
- Promote the patient’s expression of their emotions and worries.
- Use anti-anxiety medicine as directed by a doctor.
Evaluation:
- The patient will report a decrease in anxiety level.
- The patient will express an understanding of the condition and the treatment plan.
5. Risk for impaired skin integrity related to prolonged bed rest – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- To avoid pressure sores, turn the patient every two hours.
- Dry off and keep the patient’s skin clean.
- To avoid dry skin, use a moisturizer or lotion.
- Provide a mattress or cushion that relieves pressure.
Evaluation:
- The patient’s skin will remain intact and free from pressure ulcers.
- The patient will not report any discomfort or pain associated with skin breakdown.
6. Disturbed sleep pattern related to pain, discomfort, and anxiety – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- Encourage the patient to establish a regular sleep routine.
- Administer pain medication as prescribed by the physician.
- Provide a quiet and dark environment for sleeping.
- Encourage relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation.
Evaluation:
- The patient will report improved sleep quality and duration.
- The patient will not report any discomfort or pain associated with sleeping.
7. Knowledge deficit related to the disease process and treatment plan – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- Provide education about the disease process, treatment plan, and potential complications.
- Use simple and understandable language.
- Encourage the patient to ask questions and express any concerns.
- Provide written materials and resources for the patient and family.
Evaluation:
- The patient will demonstrate an understanding of the disease process and treatment plan.
- The patient will be able to explain the potential complications and appropriate measures to prevent them.
8. Impaired Liver Function: Related to inflammation and damage to liver tissue, decreased bile production, and impaired metabolism of drugs and toxins – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- Give medicine as prescribed
- Watch for fluid and electrolyte imbalance and maintain accordingly
- Explain the benefits of healthy food and water intake
- Watch for medicine reaction and record and report them if any
- Teach the patient about liver damage protection by avoiding alcohol and some medicine
Evaluation:
- Check lab reports and report improvement
- Notice patient’s response to medicine and treatment, and report any side effect.
- Watch for improvement or disorientation, confusion
- Assess patients nutritional status and report Improvement
9. Risk for Complications: Related to sepsis, hemorrhage, hepatic failure, or other complications associated with the underlying cause of the abscess – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- Record Vitals and administer medicine as prescribed such as IV fluids, blood transfusions.
- Check for signs of bleeding or hemorrhage, like low hemoglobin level.
- Assess for signs of sepsis, like fever tachycardia, and raised WBC counts.
Evolution:
- Check vital signs and report any improved or worsen condition.
- Check patients response to interventions.
- Check for signs of sepsis, haemorrhage or hepatic failure.
10. Impaired Comfort: Related to symptoms such as fever, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice – Liver Abscess Nursing Diagnosis
Interventions:
- Administer medicines as prescribed to manage symptoms like fever, vomiting and nausea
- Asses for level of pain and administer pain relief
- Encourage for rest and relaxation
- Provide emotional support
- Check for signs of jaundice and provide education on skin care and protection from sun exposure
Evolution:
- Assess patient’s pain level and notice the effectiveness of pain relief measures
- Monitor for jaundice and evaluate effectiveness of intervention
graph LR
A((Liver Abscess)) –> B(Risk for infection)
B –> |Assess vital signs| C(Monitor signs of infection)
B –> |Administer antibiotics| D(Stable vital signs, no signs of infection)
B –> |Encourage good hygiene and compliance with antibiotics| E(Demonstrate understanding of hygiene and compliance)
A –> F(Acute pain)
F –> |Assess pain level| G(Administer pain medications)
F –> |Position patient comfortably and encourage relaxation techniques| H(Patient reports decreased pain and can participate in ADLs)
A –> I(Imbalanced nutrition)
I –> |Monitor nutritional status and intake| J(Offer small, frequent meals and high protein/calorie foods)
I –> |Administer anti-nausea medication| K(Demonstrate increased appetite and stable/increased weight)
A –> L(Anxiety)
L –> |Assess anxiety level| M(Educate patient and encourage expression of feelings)
L –> |Administer anti-anxiety medication| N(Demonstrate decreased anxiety level and understanding of condition/treatment)
A –> O(Risk for impaired skin integrity)
O –> |Turn patient every two hours and keep skin clean and moisturized| P(Patient’s skin remains intact and free from pressure ulcers)
O –> |Provide pressure-relieving mattress/cushion| Q(Patient does not report discomfort or pain associated with skin breakdown)
A –> R(Disturbed sleep pattern)
R –> |Encourage regular sleep routine and provide quiet/dark environment| S(Administer pain medication)
R –> |Encourage relaxation techniques| T(Patient reports improved sleep quality/duration and no discomfort or pain associated with sleeping)
A –> U(Knowledge deficit)
U –> |Provide education using simple language and encourage questions| V(Demonstrate understanding of disease process/treatment plan)
U –> |Provide written materials and resources| W(Patient able to explain potential complications and appropriate measures to prevent them)
