PN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Related

Review PN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 related questions and content

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?

  • A. Bilirubin 1.0 mg/dL (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL)
  • B. Ammonia 55 mcg/dL (10 to 80 mcg/dL)
  • C. Aspartate aminotransferase 34 units/L (0 to 34 units/L)
  • D. Platelets 60,000/mm³ (150,000 to 400,000/mm³)
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Liver biopsy risks bleeding due to vascularity, so platelets at 60,000/mm³ well below normal (150,000-400,000) signal thrombocytopenia, increasing hemorrhage risk. Normal bilirubin (1.0 mg/dL) and AST (34 units/L) reflect liver function, not clotting. Ammonia (55 mcg/dL) is normal, tied to encephalopathy, not biopsy safety. Low platelets impair hemostasis, often requiring transfusion or delay per procedural norms (e.g., AASLD), prioritizing safety unlike normal labs, this demands provider action, making it the critical value to report.