A nurse is reviewing the laboratory reports for a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following results should the nurse expect for this client?

A. Decreased liver enzymes: Liver enzymes may initially be elevated due to liver inflammation, but in end-stage cirrhosis they may appear normal or even low due to massive hepatocyte loss. A decreased enzyme level does not reliably indicate improved liver function. B. Decreased platelets: Thrombocytopenia occurs because portal hypertension causes splenic enlargement, leading to platelet sequestration. In addition, reduced hepatic production of thrombopoietin further lowers platelet count, making this a common finding. C. Elevated sodium levels: Cirrhosis commonly leads to low sodium (hyponatremia) due to fluid retention, activation of antidiuretic hormone, and impaired renal function. Elevated sodium would not typically be expected in advanced liver disease. D. Elevated albumin level: Because the liver synthesizes albumin, cirrhosis results in decreased production. This leads to low albumin levels, contributing to edema and ascites due to reduced oncotic pressure. Elevated albumin is not consistent with cirrhosis.