Anatomy and physiology of the liver in relation to clinical assessment.

As nurses assume expanded roles in patient care, skills in history-taking and in performing a physical examination are expected. Of the various diagnostic procedures the history and physical examination are the most direct and expeditious methods of obtaining facts about patients' problems. As represented in this article, detailed knowledge of the liver's anatomy and physiology as well as that of other body systems is prerequisite to these skills. To understand and document the complexity of life disturbances occuring in patients with hepatic problems, integration of social-behavioral and mental health concepts is needed.