A nurse is collecting data from a client who has peritonitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A Reason:

Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL) is incorrect. Bilirubin levels within the normal range typically indicate normal liver function. The value of 1.0 mg/dL falls within the expected range, so it doesn't raise immediate concerns regarding the need for a liver biopsy.

Choice B Reason:

Aspartate aminotransferase 34 units/L (0 to 34 units/L) is incorrect. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver, heart, muscles, and red blood cells. While a value of 34 units/L is at the upper limit of the normal range, it's still within the expected range and doesn't typically prompt immediate concern for the need for a biopsy.

Choice C Reason:

Ammonia 55 mcg/dL (10 to 80 mcg/dL ) is incorrect. Ammonia levels can rise in cases of liver dysfunction. The level of 55 mcg/dL falls within the reference range, indicating normal or near-normal ammonia levels, which doesn't usually necessitate an urgent liver biopsy.

Choice D Reason:

Platelets 60,000/mm3 (150,000 to 400,000/mm3) is correct. Platelets are crucial for blood clotting. A significantly low platelet count, such as 60,000/mm3, termed thrombocytopenia, can indicate compromised clotting ability, which might pose a risk of bleeding during or after a liver biopsy. In the context of a liver biopsy, a low platelet count warrants attention and consideration before proceeding with the procedure to prevent excessive bleeding or complications.

Choice A Reason:

The client had a hemorrhoidectomy 1 year ago is appropriate. While hemorrhoids involve bleeding in the anal area, the blood from hemorrhoids is usually visibly present and not considered "occult" or hidden. A history of hemorrhoidectomy is less likely to cause a false-positive occult blood test result as the bleeding is typically visible.

Choice B Reason:

The client takes ibuprofen for headaches is correct. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to small amounts of bleeding. This bleeding, although not typically visible, can be detected by occult blood tests, resulting in a false-positive result

Choice C Reason:

The client has a history of breast cancer is incorrect. A history of breast cancer, in itself, is not directly related to gastrointestinal bleeding that would lead to a false-positive result in an occult blood test. Occult blood screening tests primarily detect bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.

Choice D Reason:

The client consumed citrus juice 3 days before the test is incorrect. Consumption of citrus juice is not known to cause false-positive results in occult blood screening tests. These tests are designed to detect blood specifically from the gastrointestinal tract and aren't affected by citrus juice consumption.