Portal hypertension is responsible for the formation of splenomegaly (seen in pt’s ultrasound) and ascites (pt currently has). When blood flow is obstructed through the portal vein, the following increase in pressure in the splenic vein causes an enlarged spleen and increased rate to blood cell destruction → thrombocytopenia anemia → more platelets removed from circulation and sequestered in the spleen → impaired clot formation → esophageal bleeding. In ascites, there is an accumulation of protein rich fluid in the abdominal cavity. Though portal hypertension is the primary cause of ascites, hypoalbuminemia(Low albumin → decrease in colloidal osmotic pressure in BV → fluids escape to interstisial spaces→ decreases blood volume→ kidneys retain water and sodium→ increase in hydrostatic pressure, excacerbating portal hypertension and ascites formation). and the accumulation of aldosterone contribute to fluid accumulation. Care of the patient is currently focused on pain relief and on improving
Portal hypertension is responsible for the formation of splenomegaly (seen in pt’s ultrasound) and ascites (pt currently has). When blood flow is obstructed through the portal vein, the following increase in pressure in the splenic vein causes an enlarged spleen and increased rate to blood cell destruction → thrombocytopenia anemia → more platelets removed from circulation and sequestered in the spleen → impaired clot formation → esophageal bleeding. In ascites, there is an accumulation of protein rich fluid in the abdominal cavity. Though portal hypertension is the primary cause of ascites, hypoalbuminemia(Low albumin → decrease in colloidal osmotic pressure in BV → fluids escape to interstisial spaces→ decreases blood volume→ kidneys retain water and sodium→ increase in hydrostatic pressure, excacerbating portal hypertension and ascites formation). and the accumulation of aldosterone contribute to fluid accumulation. Care of the patient is currently focused on pain relief and on improving