The nurse is reviewing the presurgical patient's laboratory reports and notes an elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST)and bilirubin.The nurse understands that this patient is most at risk for which potential complication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The AST and bilirubin are liver studies.Elevated levels may indicate a dysfunctional liver.The liver is directly involved with clotting factors; therefore,this patient would be at risk for excessive bleeding.The serum albumin level would most likely be decreased if the liver is not functioning properly.Postsurgical wound infection and delayed wound healing risks are not directly related to liver function.

The Nurse Is Reviewing the Presurgical Patient's Laboratory Reports and Notes