What parameters should the nurse monitor to assess a client's progress in relation to potential liver issues?

Monitoring liver enzyme levels, specifically aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), is critical for assessing a client's liver function and identifying potential liver issues. These enzymes are typically found in the liver and, when the liver is damaged or inflamed, they are released into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of AST and ALT can indicate conditions such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, or other forms of liver injury, making this parameter a direct indicator of liver health.

By regularly measuring these enzyme levels, healthcare providers can evaluate the extent of liver damage, monitor the effectiveness of ongoing treatment, and make necessary adjustments to the care plan as the patient’s condition evolves. This makes liver enzyme levels a fundamental aspect of monitoring for liver health issues. Other parameters, while potentially relevant in broader contexts of metabolic or systemic health, do not provide the same targeted insight into liver function as AST and ALT levels do.