A patient with a history of alcoholism and esophageal varices was admitted to the intensive care unit and developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.Which laboratory results would confirm the nurse's suspicion of hepatic involvement?
A)Increased fibrinogen level
B)Decreased blood urea nitrogen
C)Increased serum bilirubin
D)Increased serum albumin

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased serum bilirubin is a specific indicator of liver dysfunction or damage. In patients with a history of alcoholism and esophageal varices, hepatic involvement is a common complication. Increased fibrinogen levels can indicate inflammation or infection, whereas decreased blood urea nitrogen can be a sign of renal dysfunction. Increased serum albumin is not a specific marker of hepatic involvement and may even be normal or elevated in liver disease due to decreased catabolism.

A Patient with a History of Alcoholism and Esophageal Varices