Similar to renal assessment, hepatic function assessment involves:
1. Patient History and Symptom Review
Reviewing history for liver disease, alcohol use, and exposure to hepatotoxic substances. Symptoms such as jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal pain are considered.
2. Physical Examination
Nurses check for signs like jaundice, ascites, and hepatomegaly. Skin changes such as spider angiomas and palmar erythema are also noted.
3. Blood Tests
Liver function tests (LFTs) including ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin levels help in assessing liver health. Elevated enzyme levels can indicate liver damage or disease.
4. Imaging Studies
Ultrasounds and CT scans can detect liver abnormalities like cirrhosis, tumors, and fatty liver disease.
5. Biopsy
Liver biopsy, though invasive, provides definitive diagnosis by examining liver tissue for disease.
