The nurse is caring for a patient with liver disease.When assessing the patient's laboratory values,the nurse should

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bilirubin enters the circulation bound to albumin and is unconjugated.This portion of the bilirubin is reflected in the indirect serum bilirubin level.In the liver,bilirubin is conjugated with glucuronic acid.Conjugated bilirubin is soluble and excreted in bile.Cirrhosis and liver cancer decrease the liver's ability to conjugate bilirubin.Some conjugated bilirubin returns to the blood and is reflected in the direct serum bilirubin level.The direct or conjugated bilirubin is increased in liver failure.Total bilirubin is also measured and will also be increased in liver failure.There is no need to call the provider for values only slightly elevated.Unconjugated bilirubin is toxic to cells.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Liver Disease