Answers
AST test is done in patients with liver damage or disease. AST is predominantly found in liver and also in muscles. It is released in blood stream if there is a liver related issue.
Indications;
If patient experiences
- Vomitting
- jaundice
- tiredness
- weight loss
- muscle pain
- swelling in abdomen
- swelling in legs etc
- itching
- Dark colored urine
Nursing interventions
Nurse should read the values and treat accordingly. High values indicates liver damage . Normal range is 10 to 40 unots per liter.
If it increases to 3 to 4 times then it indicates high.
To advice patient on high fiber diet, coffee intake, weight loss, folic acid intake, avoid smoking, alcohol, exercising, reduce cholesterol levels etc
Complications:
May lead to Cirrhosis, hepatitis, mononucleosis etc
also predictive of cancer,
Evaluations:
To monitor liver disease progression
To monitor the effect of medication
To monitor liver when other disease are present.
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