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A patient is scheduled for a liver biopsy.
Which laboratory result would be of most concern to the nurse?

A.

Serum ammonia level of 56 mcg N/dL

B.

Hemoglobin of 11 g/dL

C.

White blood cell count of 14.2 x 103/uL

D.

Prothrombin time of 32 seconds

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale
 

While an elevated serum ammonia level can indicate liver dysfunction, it is not typically a contraindication for liver biopsy. Ammonia is a byproduct of protein metabolism and is normally converted into urea by the liver, which is then excreted in the urine. Elevated levels can occur in liver disease, but they are not typically a direct concern in the context of a liver biopsy.
Choice B rationale
A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is slightly low, but it is not typically a contraindication for a liver biopsy. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While a low hemoglobin level can indicate anemia, it would not typically prevent a patient from undergoing a liver biopsy.
Choice C rationale
A white blood cell count of 14.2 x 103/uL is slightly elevated, indicating a possible infection or inflammation. However, this would not typically be a contraindication for a liver biopsy.
Choice D rationale
A prothrombin time of 32 seconds is significantly prolonged, indicating a potential problem with blood clotting. This would be a major concern for a nurse caring for a patient scheduled for a liver biopsy, as the procedure involves inserting a needle into the liver and could lead to bleeding. Patients with a prolonged prothrombin time are at an increased risk of bleeding complications.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Periorbital edema is not typically associated with the progression of systemic scleroderma.
Choice B rationale
Excessive salivation is not typically associated with the progression of systemic scleroderma.
Choice C rationale
Finger contractures can be expected in a client diagnosed with systemic scleroderma. As the disease progresses, it can cause tightening and hardening of the skin, which can lead to contractures.
Choice D rationale
Thinning of the skin is not typically associated with the progression of systemic scleroderma. In fact, the disease often causes the skin to thicken.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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.

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