Which of the following laboratory findings is most indicative of fluid volume excess in a client with liver cirrhosis?

Rationale: A. Elevated AST indicates hepatocellular injury, but it does not directly reflect fluid volume status. B. In liver cirrhosis, the liver produces less albumin, leading to reduced plasma oncotic pressure. Low albumin allows fluid to leak into interstitial spaces, causing ascites, edema, and overall fluid volume excess. C. Prolonged PT reflects impaired clotting factor synthesis in cirrhosis, not fluid status. D. High bilirubin indicates impaired bile excretion and liver dysfunction, but it is not a direct marker of fluid overload.