GI Lab Assessment Flashcards
T/F LFTs may be normal in patient’s who have advanced liver disease
true
T/F Abnormal LFTs are only caused by diseases related to the liver
false, can be caused by diseases unrelated to the liver
Name the serum aminotransferases that are released into circulation when hepatocytes are injured
Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Aspartate aminotranferase (AST)
Refers to a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of organic phosphates. Elevation reflects obstruction to the liver
alkaline phosphatase
Produced by heme metabolism
bilirubin
relates to only hepatobiliary disease but does not differentiate it obstructive from hepatocellular damage
conjugated bilirubin
occurs when conjugated (direct) bilirubin levels are high
bilirubinuria
adheres tightly to albumin and does not get filtered by the kidneys
unconjugated bilirubin
Becomes elevated in hepatic encephalopathy
ammonia
Most accurate method of drawing ammonia level
get an arterial sample
What does clay colored stool indicate?
biliary obstruction
What does black colored stool indicate?
blood in stool
If stool has a tarry color, how much blood is likely to be in the upper GI tract?
> 100mL
Sometimes found in stool with parasitic infections (esp amebiasis)
Charcot-Leyden crystals
Most common cause of infectious diarrhea
viruses
Treatment for C. difficle colitis
metronidazole (Flagyl). 2nd line- ORAL vancomycin
2-3 X normal is abnormal and indicates pancreatic problem such as pancreatitis, trauma, tumor, common bile duct stones, penetrating PU
amylase
Decreased in marked destruction of pancreas or severe liver damage
amylase
Increased in acute pancreatitis, obstruction of pancreatic duct, acute cholecystitis, small bowel obstruction, acute and chronic renal failure, alcohol-ism, DKA, chronic liver disease
lipase
