Andrew Jamison is a 47-year-old construction worker with a long history of alcohol abuse. Recently he has been experiencing fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. A visit to his physician and laboratory testing confirmed a diagnosis of cirrhosis. He is 5'10" tall and currently weighs 145 pounds.
What laboratory test would most likely be elevated in Mr. Jamison?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells and is metabolized in the liver. In cirrhosis, the liver is unable to metabolize bilirubin properly, leading to an elevation in its levels in the bloodstream. The other laboratory values listed are not typically elevated in cirrhosis. Albumin and transferrin levels may be low due to decreased protein synthesis by the damaged liver. HDL levels may also be low due to impaired liver function, but it is not a specific marker for cirrhosis. CRP is a marker of inflammation and is not directly related to liver function or cirrhosis.

Andrew Jamison Is a 47-Year-Old Construction Worker with a Long