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Managing ascites in patients with chronic liver disease

Last Reviewed: 10/03/2025
Managingascitesinpatientswithchronicliv

Course

Exclusive quality-assured RCN course.

Available to RCNi Plus subscribers

Applicable for any nurse with an RCNi subscription

Revise the pathophysiology of ascites, a complication associated with chronic liver disease. Discover how to assess and manage patients with this distressing condition to ensure their comfort is maximised and they recieve optimal care.

Who is this resource for?

Explains what the component is for

This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.

Course information

This module focuses on the assessment and management of ascites in patients with chronic liver disease. Don't forget that you do not have to complete our two-hour learning modules all in one go. Tailor your learning to fit into your busy schedule by undertaking one or two sections at a time. You can stop and save your learning at any point and pick up where you left off when you return. Learning aims and intended outcomes Describe the pathophysiology of ascites Discuss the diagnosis of the condition in patients with chronic liver disease Explain the complications that may be associated with ascites Outline the treatments and interventions used to manage the condition in patients with chronic liver disease Describe the development and treatment of refractory ascites Disclaimer Please note that information provided by RCNi Learning is not sufficient to ensure competence in the skill. Assessment of competence should take place in line with local practice. Practice should always align with local protocols and procedures, latest guidelines and any regulatory code. All modules should currently be viewed together with available national and local Covid-19 guidelines. For advice, go to www.rcn.org.uk/covid-19

Authors

Anan Purushothaman

Practice development nurse, Liver Intensive Care Unit, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London

Danielle Fullwood

Lecturer practitioner for hepatology, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London.

The RCN delivers quality-assured and up-to-date resources for the nursing workforce. Reviewed annually, RCN Learn resources meet the RCN Nine Quality Standards.

: 14 Mar 2025.
 https://uatlearnamber.rcn.org.uk/Search/273-managingascitesinpatientswithchronicliv.
Last Reviewed: 10/03/2025