Hepatic Encephalopathy

Overview

4.5 out of 5 (24 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Pharmacology Credits

0.5

Post Assessment Questions

11

Start Date

1 Sep 2023

Last Review Date

7 Mar 2024

Expiration Date

31 Aug 2026

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Hepatic encephalopathy is a serious and potentially reversible condition that can affect individuals with advanced liver dysfunction. It is characterized by a range of neuropsychiatric and neuromuscular abnormalities resulting from the buildup of toxic substances in the bloodstream, ultimately impacting brain function. While commonly associated with underlying liver conditions such as cirrhosis, it can also develop in individuals without prior hepatic issues who develop acute liver failure. While hepatic encephalopathy in chronic liver failure like cirrhosis may be reversible, when secondary to acute liver failure, it can lead to brain edema and prove challenging to manage. Patients can also develop this condition in the setting of portosystemic shunts. 

This activity discusses the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, evaluation, and treatment approaches for hepatic encephalopathy. The course covers the disease staging, potential complications, prognosis, and patient education regarding this condition. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the vital contributions of an interprofessional healthcare team in both the prevention and management of this condition, aiming to improve patient outcomes.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians, physician associates, nurses, pharmacists, and nurse practitioners.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify the signs and symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy, including altered mental status, confusion, and neuromuscular dysfunction, in patients with advanced liver dysfunction.

  • Apply routine assessments for hepatic encephalopathy using standardized tools, especially in patients with chronic liver disease or acute liver failure.

  • Apply evidence-based interventions, including pharmacotherapy, dietary modifications, and management of precipitating factors, to treat hepatic encephalopathy.

  • Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare team members, including hepatologists, neurologists, and dietitians, to provide comprehensive care and optimize patient outcomes.

  • Outline the pharmacologic therapy as it applies to Hepatic Encephalopathy

Disclosures

StatPearls, LLC requires everyone who influences the content of an educational activity to disclose relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that have occurred within the past 24 months. Ineligible companies are organizations whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. All relevant conflict(s) of interest have been mitigated. Hover over contributor names for financial disclosures. Others involved in planning this educational activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

Commercial Support: This activity has received NO commercial support.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

In support of improving patient care, StatPearls, LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

 

Nurse Practitioners: StatPearls designates this activity for 1.50 ANCC contact hour(s), which includes 0.5 hour(s) of pharmacology. NPs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please consult your professional licensing board for information on the applicability and acceptance of continuing education credit for this activity.

Method of Participation and Credit

  1. Register for the activity.    
  2. Review the target audience, learning objectives, and disclosure information.
  3. Study the educational content of the enduring material.
  4. Choose the best answer to each activity test question. To receive credit and a certificate, you must pass the test questions with a minimum score of 100%.
  5. Complete the post-activity assessment survey.

If you have concerns regarding the CE/CME system, please contact support@statpearls.com.

Disclaimer

This educational activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Faculty may discuss investigational products or off-label uses of products regulated by the FDA. Readers should verify all information before employing any therapies described in this educational activity.

The information provided for this activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition. The information presented does not necessarily reflect the views of StatPearls or any commercial supporters of educational activities on statpearls.com. StatPearls expressly disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through a participant's misunderstanding of the content.

Unapproved Uses of Drugs/Devices: In accordance with FDA requirements, the audience is advised that information presented in this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or devices. Please refer to the FDA-approved package insert for each drug/device for full prescribing/utilization information.

Cancellation Policy: Please see the cancellation policy. StatPearls, LLC reserves the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

 
 

Reviews

John L. on 10/2/2021

Charlene N. on 11/30/2021

Anne W. on 12/2/2021

Travis V. on 5/13/2022

SANTHA A. on 3/28/2022

Mary Y. on 5/9/2022

Melissa D. on 5/28/2022

Louie L. on 7/6/2022

Danialle H. on 10/4/2022

Rayon S. on 11/15/2022

Sheree M. on 12/12/2022

Ravi J. on 12/1/2022

Ann N. on 1/11/2023

Matthew N. on 4/24/2023

kim t. on 5/2/2023

Corey E. on 10/26/2023

Alice F. on 11/30/2023

John H. on 12/16/2023

Aparna C. on 12/27/2023

Thomas D. on 12/29/2023

Noelle D. on 2/4/2024

Joseph S. on 3/11/2024

Jessica C. on 4/15/2024

Glenn S. on 4/15/2024

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