Critical illness can sometimes develop within the gastrointestinal (GI) system. This symposium series describes GI illnesses and phenomena seen within the organs of the GI system in hospitalized adults, particularly those who require critical care. The articles present state-of-the-science information for critical care and advanced practice nurses in the area of GI illnesses and their management, including providing nutrition to the critically ill. These topics are covered with a focus on pathophysiology, advanced assessment and evidence-based interventions, and cutting-edge therapies to allow nurses to innovate and strategize the care of patients with these difficult conditions.
Patients of all ages can develop liver disease as a result of various illnesses; this liver disease can take the form of acute liver disease, end-stage liver disease (ESLD), or hepatocellular carcinoma. All of these disorders have significant and life-threatening aspects that require advanced knowledge of the disease processes and the application of interventions to...