This learning module explores the mechanisms of liver injury caused by alcohol, the risk factors associated with alcohol-related liver disease, and assessment tools to identify people with alcohol-use disorders. The importance of the nursing role in assessing and monitoring patients as well as providing information and advice on the prevention of alcohol-related liver injury is highlighted.

Don't forget that you don't have to complete our two-hour learning modules all in one go. Tailor your learning to fit 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.

Intended learning outcomes

This module aims to provide nurses with information about alcohol and how it can affect the liver if the recommended units of consumption are exceeded. It aims to explore the stages of alcohol-related liver injury, abstinence and the skills needed to care for a patient undergoing withdrawal from alcohol.

After reading this module and completing the time out activities you should be able to:

• Discuss the prevalence of alcohol-related liver disease.
• Describe how alcohol causes liver damage.
• Recognise the different patterns of drinking.
• Understand why healthcare professionals need to have the knowledge and skills to care for this patient group.
• Communicate the importance of assessing for alcohol withdrawal.

This learning module is broken down into the following sections:

• Introduction
• Pathophysiology
• Risk factors for alcohol-related liver disease
• Identifying alcohol use disorders
• Assessing alcohol-related liver damage
• Stages of alcohol-related liver injury
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Nutrition
• Liver transplantation
• Conclusions

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/rcn-position