A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client suspected to have liver cirrhosis. Which finding should the nurse expect to be elevated, indicating impaired liver function?
Serum albumin levels
Prothrombin time (PT)
Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels
Total bilirubin levels
The Correct Answer is D
A) Serum albumin is a protein synthesized by the liver, and its levels are often decreased in advanced liver cirrhosis due to impaired liver function. However, the question asks for an elevated finding, not a decreased one.
B) Prothrombin time (PT) measures the time it takes for blood to clot. In liver cirrhosis, PT is often prolonged due to impaired liver function and reduced production of clotting factors. However, the question asks for an elevated finding, not a prolonged one.
C) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver and other organs. While AST levels may be elevated in liver cirrhosis, it is not a specific marker for liver cirrhosis, and its elevation can occur in various liver diseases and conditions.
D) In liver cirrhosis, impaired liver function leads to reduced clearance of bilirubin, resulting in elevated total bilirubin levels in the blood. Elevated bilirubin is a common finding in liver cirrhosis and can contribute to jaundice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Hematemesis refers to vomiting of blood and is a symptom that can occur as a result of bleeding from esophageal varices or other gastrointestinal sources.
B) Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, leading to abdominal distension. It is not related to the presence of visible distended veins on the abdomen and chest.
C) Splenomegaly is the enlargement of the spleen and is not related to the finding of visible distended veins.
D) Varices are dilated and tortuous veins that can develop in various locations, including the esophagus (esophageal varices) and the abdomen and chest wall (caput medusae). In liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension causes increased pressure in the portal vein, leading to the development of these enlarged veins. Esophageal varices can be life-threatening if they rupture and cause severe bleeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) In liver cirrhosis, portal hypertension occurs due to increased pressure in the portal vein, which carries blood from the intestines to the liver. The increased pressure leads to the development of portosystemic collaterals (collateral circulation) to divert blood flow. This can cause hypersplenism, a condition where the spleen becomes enlarged and traps platelets, leading to a decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
B) Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and is not directly related to a decreased platelet count.
C) Hepatocellular carcinoma is a type of liver cancer and can be a complication of liver cirrhosis. However, it is not the likely cause of the client's decreased platelet count.
D) Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) can occur in liver cirrhosis due to portal hypertension. However, splenomegaly itself is not the cause of the decreased platelet count; it is the hypersplenism resulting from the splenomegaly that causes thrombocytopenia.
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