The nurse assesses morning lab results for a postoperative day 1 liver transplant recipient.Lab results noted by the nurse include aspartate transaminase (AST)365 U/L; alanine aminotransferase (ALT)400 U/L; and serum glucose of 85 mg/dL.What is the best action by the nurse?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Laboratory values should be trended,but the nurse should notify the physician of the elevated liver enzyme results,as significantly elevated results could indicate hepatic artery thrombosis.Glucose of 85 mg/dL is considered within normal limits by most laboratories and would not require treatment with glucose or insulin to normalize.Repeating the enzyme results in 4 hours would be appropriate,but it is not the immediate priority.

The Nurse Assesses Morning Lab Results for a Postoperative Day