In a client with altered protein metabolism due to liver dysfunction, what laboratory finding should the nurse expect?

In the context of liver dysfunction and altered protein metabolism, an increased ammonia level is a crucial laboratory finding. The liver plays a vital role in converting ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, into urea, which is then eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When liver function is compromised, this conversion is impaired, leading to an accumulation of ammonia in the bloodstream.

Elevated ammonia levels can result from the liver's inability to detoxify this substance, which can have serious implications for neurological function, as high ammonia levels are associated with hepatic encephalopathy. Recognizing this finding is important for the nurse, as it prompts further monitoring and potential intervention to manage the patient's condition effectively.

In contrast, conditions such as decreased albumin levels are also commonly associated with liver dysfunction, but they would not be the most immediate or defining laboratory finding related to protein metabolism changes. Increased lactase levels are not typically relevant in the context of liver dysfunction and protein metabolism, nor would decreased lactic acid levels specifically indicate altered protein metabolism in this scenario.