Question

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse expect?

a. Decreased prothrombin time
b. Elevated bilirubin level
c. Decreased ammonia level
d. Elevated albumin level

Answer 1

A nurse should expect an elevated bilirubin level in a client with cirrhosis, as liver dysfunction leads to problems with bilirubin conjugation and excretion. Other expected findings include increased prothrombin time (INR) and ammonia levels, and decreased albumin levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse who is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with cirrhosis should expect certain altered lab values indicative of liver dysfunction. Among the provided options, the nurse should mostly expect:

Other related findings not listed in the options, but often associated with cirrhosis, include: