In a patient with a history of cirrhosis or liver damage, which laboratory results should the nurse monitor closely?

In a patient with a history of cirrhosis or liver damage, closely monitoring elevated levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), alkaline phosphatase, serum ammonia, and bilirubin is crucial due to their significance in assessing liver function and potential complications related to liver pathology.

ALT and AST are enzymes that are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged. Elevated levels indicate ongoing liver injury or inflammation, which is common in cirrhosis. Alkaline phosphatase levels can also rise due to liver disease, particularly in cases involving bile duct obstruction or cholestasis, which can occur with cirrhosis.

Monitoring serum ammonia is particularly important in liver disease because the liver typically detoxifies ammonia, and elevated levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, a serious condition associated with cirrhosis. Bilirubin levels are also vital as they reflect the liver's ability to process and excrete bile. Elevated bilirubin can indicate worsening liver function or biliary obstruction.

Therefore, the comprehensive monitoring of these laboratory results is essential to assess the severity of liver damage, guide treatment decisions, and identify potential complications early in patients with cirrhosis or significant liver