Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

Liver function tests (LFTs) are specifically designed to assess the health of the liver by measuring various enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver. When considering kidney disease, evaluating liver function is essential because both organs can have interrelated effects, and conditions affecting one may also affect the other. For instance, certain kidney diseases can lead to changes in liver function, and vice versa, especially in situations like hepatorenal syndrome, where liver dysfunction leads to renal impairment.

The LFTs include measurements such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and albumin. Abnormal results in these tests can indicate liver disease relevant to how it affects the kidneys, thus providing valuable information for nephrology nurses and healthcare providers. In the context of patients with kidney disease, monitoring LFTs can help detect any liver-related issues that may need to be addressed concurrently with renal management.

Unlike LFTs, the complete blood count (CBC) primarily provides data about the blood components, such as red and white blood cells and platelets, but does not directly assess liver function. Similarly, serum creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen