Final answer:
The nurse should foresee elevated serum ammonia levels, decreased sodium levels, decreased albumin levels, increased bilirubin levels, and prolonged prothrombin time in a client with cirrhosis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has cirrhosis should expect the following changes in laboratory values:
- Elevated serum ammonia levels: The liver normally detoxifies ammonia. When cirrhosis impairs liver function, ammonia levels in the blood can rise, resulting in possible neurological symptoms such as confusion or tremors.
- Decreased sodium levels: Cirrhosis can lead to imbalances in electrolytes, including hyponatremia or low sodium levels in the blood.
- Decreased albumin levels: Albumin is a protein made by the liver. In cirrhosis, the liver's ability to synthesize albumin is often compromised, leading to lower albumin levels in the blood.
- Increased bilirubin levels: Bilirubin is processed by the liver, and when the liver is damaged, bilirubin can accumulate in the blood.
- Prolonged prothrombin time: The liver produces clotting factors. In cirrhosis, the reduced ability of the liver to produce these factors can prolong the prothrombin time, which is a measure of how long it takes blood to clot.
Therefore, the correct answers are A. Elevated serum ammonia levels, E. Prolonged prothrombin time, and there's also validity to expect B. Decreased sodium levels in some patients with cirrhosis.