In a university-based setting, we see a variety of patients with liver failure receiving diagnostic paracentesis. They may be at different stages of their disease process, from pre-transplant to being in hospice, and come from different socioeconomic backgrounds. This presentation will discuss causes of liver disease, morbidity and mortality, and the increasing incidence of liver failure in the United States. We will discuss the diagnostic paracentesis procedure and review the benefits and contraindications. The procedure, equipment, and materials used, as well as nursing care of the patient pre-, intra-, and post-procedure with identification of possible complications will be reviewed. The cost of the procedure compared to the safety will be discussed. The use of albumin as a plasma expander and the contraversy over using a plasma expander will be addressed. Because we see many uninsured patients with little or no social support, community resources and their availability to this patient population will be highlighted. Due to the frequency of the procedure, a special relationship can develop between the patient and the nurse. The presentation will conclude with an open discussion regarding the emotional bond formed and the difficulty when the patient's condition worsens.

Section Description

We are pleased to present the abstracts from sgna's 36th annual course, SGNA: your gateway to opportunity. The diversity of these topics certainly reflects the richness and breadth of our specialty. in keeping with the tradition of the annual course, we hope the following abstracts will encourage discussions for improving nursing practice and patient care outcomes.