Question

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

1) Elevated liver enzymes
2) Decreased platelet count
3) Increased bilirubin levels
4) Low albumin levels

Answer 1

Expected laboratory findings in a client with cirrhosis include elevated liver enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST), decreased platelet count, increased bilirubin levels (direct and indirect), and low albumin levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse reviewing the laboratory results of a client with cirrhosis should expect to see several characteristic lab value changes associated with this liver condition. These include:

• Elevated liver enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are indicative of liver inflammation or damage.
• Decreased platelet count, which may be due to the spleen enlarging and trapping more platelets as a result of portal hypertension associated with cirrhosis.
• Increased bilirubin levels, both direct and indirect, reflecting the liver's inability to adequately process and excrete bilirubin.
• Low albumin levels, as the damaged liver is unable to produce adequate amounts of albumin, which is vital for maintaining the oncotic pressure of blood serum.