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After reviewing a patient's laboratory reports, the nurse concludes the patient has cholecystitis. Which laboratory finding would enable the nurse to reach this conclusion?

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Final answer:

An elevated level of Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in the liver function tests (LFTs) would enable the nurse to conclude that the patient has cholecystitis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory finding that would enable the nurse to conclude that the patient has cholecystitis is an elevated level of Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) in the liver function tests (LFTs). Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, and increased GGT levels are indicative of liver or biliary tract disease. Elevated GGT levels can be seen in patients with cholecystitis due to the obstruction and inflammation of the bile ducts.

Other laboratory tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) may show a high white blood cell count, indicating an infection. However, an elevated GGT level specifically points towards gallbladder disease like cholecystitis.

In addition to the laboratory findings, an ultrasound may be performed to visualize the gallbladder and confirm the diagnosis of cholecystitis.

The presence of elevated white blood cell count in a Complete Blood Count (CBC) would likely lead a nurse to conclude a patient has cholecystitis. Elevated levels of liver enzymes from Liver Function Tests (LFTs) could corroborate this diagnosis, indicating gallbladder disease. An ultrasound can also provide direct visual evidence of gallbladder inflammation or gallstones, which are common causes of cholecystitis.

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