Nursing Diagnosis for Liver Abcess Disease

Liver abscess is a relatively uncommon but life-threatening disorder that occurs when bacteria or protozoa destroy hepatic tissue. The damage produces a cavity, which fills with infectious organisms, liquefied hepatic cells, and leukocytes. Necrotic tissue then walls off the cavity from the rest of the liver.

Clinical manifestation

Fever with chills and diaphoresis, malaise, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss may occur. Complaint dull abdominal pain and tenderness in the right upper quadrant abdomen. Hepatomegaly, jaundice, anemia, pleural effusion may develop. Sepsis and shock may be severe and life threatening.

Pathopysiology

Whenever an infection develops anywhere along the biliary of GI tract, infecting organism may reach the liver through the biliary system, portal venous system, or hepatic arterial or lymphatic system. The bacterial toxins destroy the neighboring liver cells, and resulting necrotic tissue serves as a protective wall for the organism.

Meanwhile, leucocytes migrate into infected area. Make abcess cavity full of a liquid, dead leucocytes and liver cell and bacteria. Pyogenic abcess of this type may be single, multiple and small. Examples of causes of pyogenic liver abcess include cholangitis and abdominal trauma.


Nursing Diagnosis for Liver abscess

1. Acute Pain : Abdominal pain
2. Hyperthermia
3. Deficient Knowledge (diagnosis and treatment)
4. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than body requirements
5. Risk for impaired skin integrity
6. Risk for Infection