A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with suspected hemorrhage. Which finding should the nurse expect to observe in a client experiencing acute blood loss?

A) Correct. In liver cirrhosis, the damaged liver may sequester platelets, leading to a decreased platelet count. However, an elevated platelet count (thrombocytosis) can occur as a compensatory response to decreased liver function and is a sign of an increased risk of hemorrhage due to poor clot formation.

B) Incorrect. Low prothrombin time (PT) indicates faster clotting and is not associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage.

C) Incorrect. Decreased ammonia levels are a positive finding in liver cirrhosis, as elevated ammonia levels are harmful to the brain.

D) Incorrect. Elevated liver enzymes are indicative of liver damage, but they do not directly impact the client's risk of hemorrhage.

A) Incorrect. A neurological assessment is important to evaluate the client's central nervous system function, but it is not directly related to identifying bleeding sources.

B) Correct. A skin integrity assessment is essential to identify potential external bleeding sources, such as cuts, bruises, or petechiae, which may indicate underlying bleeding disorders.

C) Incorrect. While an abdominal assessment is crucial in identifying internal bleeding in the abdominal area, it is not the most essential assessment to identify bleeding sources overall.

D) Incorrect. A respiratory assessment is important for assessing oxygenation and respiratory status, but it is not the primary assessment to identify bleeding sources.

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