The only resource of its kind, this concise, practical guide to GI and liver disease delivers current information on diagnosing, managing, and treating common GI and liver disorders, along with providing liver transplant guidelines. Written for nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants in varied specialties, it fills a gap in information needed by primary and acute care professionals who are the chief caretakers for GI and liver patients. This guide delivers information on recent important treatment advances that have revolutionized GI and liver care and provides guidance for seeking expert advice or urgent/emergent care for more complex cases. The “Fast Facts in a Nutshell” feature highlights key takeaway points throughout the text.The resource reviews common GI symptoms and disorders from irritable bowel disorders (including key differences between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) to gallstones and GERD. A section on liver disease describes essential liver functions, reviews liver function tests, and addresses commonly and less commonly seen liver disease diagnoses. Complications of cirrhosis are examined to ensure prompt recognition of these potentially deadly symptoms. Additionally, the book addresses liver transplantation with comprehensive attention to the evaluation process, organ donation/allocation, and post-transplant care for donor and recipient alike. Each chapter includes an overview, significant laboratory or imaging findings, treatment options, expected outcomes, and IDC-10 codes for billing and reimbursement. -- from publisher.