Follow us
Log in
Much of the content on our site is available to our registered users only. If you're already registered, just click the 'Log in' button then enter your email address and password.
Register
If you're not already registered on the site, you'll need to do so in order to gain unrestricted access to all our content. There are two types of registration:
1. If you're a current subscriber, you can register for access to our protected content at no additional cost. You'll need your subscription number in order to complete your registration, which is on the polythene wrapper in which your journal is delivered. Click the Register button to begin your registration.
2. If you don't currently subscribe you can do so now by taking out a secure online subscription. Not only will this give you instant access to our protected online content, but you'll also get every issue of Nursing Standard - the UK's best selling nursing journal - delivered straight to your door. Click the Register button to begin your subscription and registration.
Portal hypertension and varices in patients with liver cirrhosis
Author: Danielle Fullwood
Date: August 2012
Journal: Nursing Standard
Issue: Volume 26, Number 48
Keywords: Balloon tamponade, band ligation, liver cirrhosis, oesophageal varices, portal hypertension, variceal haemorrhage
Portal hypertension is a complication seen in patients with liver cirrhosis
and is characterised by high pressure in the portal vein. As portal
hypertension worsens, varices can form, leading to increased morbidity and
mortality if these rupture. Bleeding can be prevented with pharmacological
agents and endoscopic therapy; however, some patients will experience
variceal haemorrhage. Medical and nursing management of acute variceal
haemorrhage is key to a successful outcome, and after initial resuscitation,
endoscopic therapy should be undertaken. Long-term management to
prevent re-bleeding may involve surgery to implant shunts, which aim to
reduce portal venous pressure. However, patients often require referral to
specialist centres for transplant assessment.
Registered users
If you're a current subscriber, and have already registered with us, please log in.
Current subscribers
Current subscribers can register for access to our protected content at no additional cost.
Non-subscribers
Take out a secure online subscription and gain instant access to our protected content.
Subscribe now by Direct Debit and get 2 months free.
Search tips
Focus your results by wrapping search phrases in quotation marks. For example, search "child health" to return results containing that exact phrase.
The RCN Publishing Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Royal College of Nursing, the world's largest organisation for nurses. RCN Publishing produces one weekly, eight monthly and two quarterly nursing publications. Nursing Standard, the flagship journal, is the UK's biggest selling weekly for nursing. It is produced by RCN Publishing Company along with a suite of specialist nursing journals - Cancer Nursing Practice, Mental Health Practice, Learning Disability Practice, Nursing Children and Young People, Nursing Management, Emergency Nurse, Nursing Older People, Nurse Researcher and Primary Health Care. RCN Publishing Company also produce the RCN Bulletin, a major source of up-to-the-minute information for RCN members in all specialities, grades and working environments. With the latest nurse vacancies from trusts nationwide, it has become the most cost-effective nurse recruitment magazine available.