A patient with acute hepatic dysfunction has abdominal ascites.The nurse would anticipate which laboratory finding?
A)Serum sodium less than 135 mEq/L
B)Hematocrit less than 36%
C)High-density lipoprotein (HDL)level greater than 40 mg/dL
D)Albumin level lower than 3.5 g/L

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Abdominal ascites is a complication of acute hepatic dysfunction that occurs due to a decrease in serum albumin levels. Albumin is responsible for maintaining oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, preventing fluid from leaking out into the tissues. When albumin levels drop, fluid can accumulate in the peritoneal cavity, leading to ascites. Therefore, the nurse would anticipate a laboratory finding of an albumin level lower than 3.5 g/L. Options A, B, and C are not directly related to the development of ascites.

A Patient with Acute Hepatic Dysfunction Has Abdominal Ascites