Question

The nurse is reviewing the lab results of a jaundice patient suspected of having liver disease. The nurse would expect to note ________.(Select all that apply)

1) a decrease in albumin
2) a decrease in bilirubin
3) a rise in albumin
4) a rise in aspartate transaminase
5) a rise in bilirubin

Answer 1

In a jaundice patient with liver disease, the nurse would expect a decrease in albumin and increases in aspartate transaminase and bilirubin levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse reviewing the lab results of a jaundice patient suspected of having liver disease would expect to note the following: a decrease in albumin and a rise in aspartate transaminase (AST) and bilirubin. When the liver is impaired, it cannot synthesize albumin as efficiently, which leads to a decrease in its levels. Moreover, damaged liver cells release AST, hence an increase in this enzyme can be observed. Lastly, because the liver is unable to process and clear bilirubin effectively, both conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin levels are raised, leading to jaundice.