HESI Registered Nurse EXIT Practice Exam

In reviewing laboratory results for a client diagnosed with hepatitis B, which value is typically elevated?

1. Blood urea nitrogen

2. Bilirubin

3. Acid phosphatase

4. Sedimentation Rate

The correct answer is: Bilirubin

Bilirubin is the correct choice because its elevation is commonly associated with liver dysfunction, including hepatitis B. Hepatitis B affects the liver's ability to process and excrete bilirubin, a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed due to the viral infection, the normal pathway for bilirubin metabolism is disrupted, leading to an accumulation in the bloodstream. This can manifest as jaundice, where the skin and the sclera of the eyes may appear yellow. Other values, such as blood urea nitrogen, may provide some information about renal function but are not directly related to liver function or hepatitis B. Acid phosphatase is more relevant in conditions like prostate cancer or bone disorders, rather than viral hepatitis. Lastly, while sedimentation rate can indicate inflammation in the body, it is not specific to liver function or hepatitis B and is often influenced by various other factors. Thus, the elevation of bilirubin specifically corresponds to liver pathology, making it the most relevant result to watch for in a patient with hepatitis B.