A nurse is caring for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with liver disease.
Which laboratory values should the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider will order to confirm this diagnosis?

Choice A rationale
An increase in intraocular pressure is not a cause of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels.
Choice B rationale
While regular eye exams are important for patients with diabetes mellitus, having an eye exam every 2 years may not be sufficient for detecting and managing diabetic retinopathy. More frequent eye exams may be recommended depending on the patient’s condition.
Choice C rationale
Clouding of the lens is not a manifestation of diabetic retinopathy. This is a symptom of cataracts, not diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy affects the blood vessels in the retina, not the lens of the eye.
Choice D rationale
Seeing spots, also known as floaters, is a common symptom of diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when blood and other fluids leak into the vitreous, the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the inside of the eye.

Choice A rationale
Consuming a large amount of alcohol at one time can lead to liver damage and other health problems, but it does not directly cause hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily spreads through contact with infected blood.
Choice B rationale
Coming into contact with infected blood, such as from a dirty needle, can indeed cause you to become infected with hepatitis C. This is one of the most common ways the virus is transmitted, particularly through sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs.
Choice C rationale
Hepatitis C does not typically spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids such as saliva. The virus is primarily bloodborne, meaning it spreads through direct contact with infected blood.
Choice D rationale
Eating contaminated food or water from an infected source does not cause hepatitis C. The virus does not spread through food or water, or by casual contact.