What are elevated bilirubin and INR levels most likely indicative of in a patient with signs of right ventricular failure?

Prepare for the Cardiac Surgery Certification Exam with quizzes. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions enhanced with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel in your CSC exam!

Elevated bilirubin and INR levels in the context of a patient presenting with signs of right ventricular failure are indicative of post pump hepatic dysfunction. During cardiac surgery, particularly procedures involving cardiopulmonary bypass, the liver may experience a decrease in blood flow and oxygenation, leading to hepatocellular injury. This dysfunction can consequently result in impaired liver function, manifesting as elevated bilirubin due to reduced bilirubin metabolism and excretion, and an increased International Normalized Ratio (INR), which reflects compromised synthetic function of the liver, particularly in the production of clotting factors.

The presence of right ventricular failure further complicates the hemodynamic status, potentially worsening hepatic perfusion and exacerbating the dysfunction. Therefore, post pump hepatic dysfunction is a fitting conclusion based on the clinical findings of elevated liver function parameters and signs of right heart failure.

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