K.N.O.W. Home Health - CIRRHOSIS OF LIVER

CIRRHOSIS OF LIVER

📌 What is Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis is when the liver becomes scarred and damaged over time. A healthy liver helps clean your blood, store energy, and digest food. When you have cirrhosis, your liver can’t work as well, and this can make you sick.

❓ What Causes Cirrhosis?

Cirrhosis can be caused by:

Drinking too much alcohol over many years
Hepatitis B or C, which are viruses that harm the liver
Fatty liver disease (common in people with diabetes or who are overweight)
Certain medicines or toxins
Genetic diseases passed from family

💊 Treatment

Cirrhosis cannot be reversed, but you can slow it down and feel better by:

Stopping alcohol completely
Taking medicines as ordered by your doctor
Treating hepatitis if you have it
Eating a healthy diet
Getting rest and avoiding stress
Attending all doctor appointments
Home health care may help with checkups, medications, and diet

🥗 Special Diet

Low-salt (low sodium) diet helps prevent swelling in your belly and legs
High-protein foods may help if your liver is not too damaged
Avoid raw seafood (can carry bacteria)
Drink plenty of water unless your doctor says not to
Avoid alcohol completely

A low-salt diet helps reduce fluid build-up. The liver can feel less pressure if your body holds less water.

⚠️ Special Precautions

Weigh yourself every morning after going to the bathroom and before eating
Watch for swelling in your legs, feet, or stomach
Avoid medicines that hurt the liver (like too much Tylenol)
Do not take herbs or supplements without asking your doctor

❗ When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call if you notice:

New or worse swelling
Yellow skin or eyes (called jaundice)
Feeling confused, sleepy, or acting strange
Not eating well or losing weight
Fever or signs of infection
Vomiting or feeling very tired

🚨 Go to the Emergency Room If:

You vomit blood
You have black or bloody bowel movements
You are too confused to talk
You pass out
You have belly pain that won’t go away

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

True or False: Cirrhosis makes the liver stronger over time.
True or False: One cause of cirrhosis is drinking too much alcohol.
True or False: Cirrhosis can be completely cured with medicine.
True or False: People with cirrhosis should avoid eating salty foods.
True or False: Hepatitis B or C can lead to cirrhosis.
True or False: It is okay to keep drinking alcohol if you have cirrhosis.
True or False: The liver helps clean your blood and digest food.
True or False: Swelling in the belly or legs may be a sign of fluid buildup.
True or False: You should weigh yourself weekly to check for changes.
True or False: Home health nurses can help manage medicines and diet.
True or False: A low-salt diet can help reduce swelling.
True or False: You should take vitamins and herbs without asking your doctor.
True or False: Yellowing of the skin or eyes is called jaundice.
True or False: Cirrhosis can sometimes make you feel tired and weak.
True or False: Eating raw seafood is safe for people with cirrhosis.
True or False: You should go to the ER if you vomit blood.
True or False: Confusion or strange behavior can be a sign of liver problems.
True or False: All people with cirrhosis need to avoid Tylenol.
True or False: Going to regular doctor visits helps manage cirrhosis.
True or False: Drinking plenty of water is usually good unless told otherwise.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

ymptom Identification:

“Have you noticed any new or worsening swelling in your abdomen or legs, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or changes in mental clarity?”

Activity Impact/SAFETY:

“Do you feel too weak, dizzy, or fatigued to safely carry out your daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, or walking?”

Treatment Adherence:

“How are you doing with taking your prescribed medications, following your low-sodium diet, and avoiding alcohol as recommended?”

Preventive Measures:

“Are you keeping up with regular lab work, medical appointments, and vaccinations to help prevent complications from cirrhosis?”