LIVER ABSCESS

H.MALEKANO
• Liver abscess is the accumulation of
pus in the liver tissues. It is caused by
bacteria or amoeba (single cell
parasite)
 Classification
• pyogenic liver abscess: is a type of liver
abscess caused by bacteria Klebsiella
pneumonia E. coli
• amoebic liver abscess :is a type of liver
abscess caused by amebiasis It is the
involvement of liver tissue by trophozoites of
the organism Entamoeba histolytica and of is
abscess due to necrosis.
• Fungal abscess: most often due to Candida
species
 OTHER CAUSATIVE ORGANISMS

• E. Coli and Klebsiella

• Anterobacter
• Salmonella
• Staphylococcus
• Anterococcus
 PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
• Bacteria can reach the liver from:
• Infected gallbladder
• Penetrating or blunt wound
• Nearby abscess or other infections
• Infection carried by the blood stream from
elsewhere in the body
 CONT
• Micro-organisms destroy the liver tissues, producing a
necrotic cavity filled with infective agents, liquefied
liver cells and tissues and leukocytes.

• The infectious necrotic tissues wall off the abscess

from the healthy liver,

• Other predisposing factors are diabetes mellitus,

infected hepatic cyst, and diverticulitis.
 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Right upper abdominal pain with palpable, tender
liver
• Liver enlargement
• Anorexia, nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Fever and chills
• Right Shoulder pain
INVESTIGATIONS
 TREATMENT

• Aspiration of the abscess

• Surgical drainage
• Broad spectrum antibiotics (Bacterial liver
abscess)
• Metronidazole IV, Chloroquine phosphate
(Entamoeba Histolytica)
 NURSING CARE

• Monitoring vital signs: High temperature and

rapid pulse: general sepsis, a likely
complication.

• Increase the client’s fluid’s intake

• Skin care provided in cases of hyperplexia,

• care of the drain

• Administer prescribed medication

• Management of pain and report any danger

sign to the physician

• Psychological care and supportive

environment
THE GENERAL NURSING/ SURGICAL
CARE APPLIES