Identifying areas of improvement in nursing knowledge regarding hepatic encephalopathy management. Issue 5 (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sohal, Aalam; Green, Victoria; Sandhu, Sunny; Roytman, Marina
• Is Part Of: Journal of community hospital internal medicine perspectives. Volume 11:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 722
• Page End: 726
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: Hepatic encephalopathy -- nursing knowledge -- quality improvement -- survey; Internal medicine -- Periodicals; Hospitals -- Periodicals; Hospitals, Community; Internal Medicine; Hospitals; Internal medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2021.1954784
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-9666

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a reversible brain dysfunction caused by liver insufficiency and portosystemic shunting. Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of advanced liver disease and is on a rise with the increasing incidence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Since partnership with nursing staff is a critical part of successful management of these complex patients, we conducted a survey assessing their knowledge regarding HE.169 nurses participated in the survey. We found that more than 30% of the nurses did not know that ammonia is one of the toxins responsible for causing hepatic encephalopathy. We also found that 20% of the nurses had difficulty answering questions regarding titration of lactulose to bowel movements. Dietary education is a significant area for improvement as 80% of the nurses wanted to restrict fat and carbohydrate intake in these patients. With this simple survey, we identified important knowledge gaps among experienced nurses at our institution. We believe that by improving knowledge through focused lectures, we can improve patient care and reduce the length of hospitalizations in patients with HE.