Question

Victor is a 68-year-old Vietnam War Veteran who is hepatitis c positive. He saw his primary care provider at the VA clinic, complaining that he has been experiencing a persistent cough and feeling more fatigued, nauseous, and irritable. In addition, he is experiencing more frequent memory lapses. His stomach is distended, but on palpation, his liver is small in size and firm. Blood tests done on site indicate a decrease in hemoglobin, albumin, and prothrombin levels with elevated serum bilirubin and ammonia levels.

Relate Victor's history and signs and symptoms to the **onset and course** of cirrhosis; what priority medications might a primary care provider prescribe to treat Victor's complications.

(I am well aware of what the signs and symptoms are that Victor is expressing, the question is how it relates to the onset and course of cirrhosis....second time I'm requesting this in one day...sorry)

**onset and course** = this answer will take knowledge of the various stages at cellular level of how Victor's liver disease has progressed over the years and the implications of the current stage to determine appropriate medications

Answer 1

Patient history has hepatitis C positive and his present signs and symptoms include cough, fatigue, nausea, irritability, memory loss, stomach distension. cirrhosis of the liver caused by hepatitis c positive, hepatitis c positive is a liver infection that caused liver damage due to hepatitis C virus. Patient elevated serum ammonia and serum bilirubin indicate the patient is having hepatitis encephalopathy as complications of hepatitis C. The Patient is in 2nd stage of cirrhosis complication called decompensated cirrhosis. it includes liver damage, kidney damage, hepatic encephalopathy, and hemorrhage. low albumin and PT and low hemoglobin can chance for bleeding events, his memory loss and irritability due to toxins buildup in the brain. Early-stage of cirrhosis can be treated with direct-acting antiviral and HCV encoded proteins medications. the patient advanced stage needs an immediate liver transplant.