Question

a nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has a history of cirrhosis and is admitted with manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy. the nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following laboratory tests to determine the possibility of recent excessive alcohol use?

• gamma - glutamyl transferase (ggt)
• alkaline phosphatase (alp)
• serum bilirubin
• alanine aminotransferase (alt)

Explanation:

To determine recent excessive alcohol use, we analyze each test:

• Gamma - glutamyl transferase (GGT): GGT levels are often elevated in cases of excessive alcohol consumption, especially in the context of liver conditions like cirrhosis (which can lead to hepatic encephalopathy).
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): ALP is more related to bone disorders or biliary tract issues rather than alcohol - related liver changes.
• Serum bilirubin: Serum bilirubin is mainly used to assess jaundice and hemolysis, not alcohol - related liver injury.
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): ALT is more associated with non - alcohol - related liver damage (like viral hepatitis) and is not as specific for alcohol - induced changes as GGT.

Answer:

A. Gamma - glutamyl transferase (GGT)