- Review the provided data. Create at least 4 or more questions that you would ask the patient about his lifestyle to gather more appropriate information to help you with your nutrition assessment.
- Explain what attributes of her anthropometric and lab data support this diagnosis.
- Identify two additional relevant tests or procedures that might be performed to help diagnose/evaluate this patient. Please explain what information each of these questions or tests will reveal in relevance to her liver disease. You must explain the purpose of each question or test.
- What drug-nutrient interactions should you educate Natasha on?
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
As a medical professor responsible for designing college assignments and evaluating student performance, the following are the answers to the questions provided:
1. The four questions that can be asked to the patient to gather more information about their lifestyle are:
a) What is your typical daily food intake?
b) Do you smoke, consume alcohol or use any recreational drugs?
c) Do you engage in any physical activity or exercise?
d) What is your stress level, and how do you manage it?
These questions will help in evaluating the patient’s lifestyle and understanding if there are any factors that may contribute to their liver disease.
2. Anthropometric and lab data can provide significant support in diagnosing liver disease. In this patient’s case, her abnormal liver enzymes, elevated bilirubin levels, low albumin, and high INR levels support the diagnosis of liver disease. Additionally, her body mass index of 26.5 and waist circumference of 35 inches may also indicate the probability of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
3. Two additional relevant tests or procedures that can be performed to diagnose or evaluate this patient are:
a) A liver biopsy – It is a test where a small sample of liver tissue is taken and examined to determine the cause and extent of liver disease.
b) Fibroscan -It is a non-invasive test that grades fibrosis on a scale of F0 (no fibrosis) to F4 (advanced cirrhosis) by measuring stiffness in the liver. This test is effective in diagnosing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
4. The drug-nutrient interactions that Natasha should be educated on are:
a) Acetaminophen – She should limit its intake as an excessive dose can harm the liver.
b) Vitamin K – As she is taking Warfarin, Natasha should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K as it can interfere with the action of Warfarin.
c) Alcohol – She should avoid or limit alcohol, as it is toxic to the liver and can aggravate liver disease.
d) Iron supplements – Iron supplements should be avoided as they can build up in the liver and cause damage.