American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the AACN Certification Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the normal range for aspartate transaminase (AST) levels?

1-20 IU/L
1-45 IU/L
46-80 IU/L
80-120 IU/L

The correct answer is: 1-45 IU/L

The normal range for aspartate transaminase (AST) levels typically falls between 1 and 45 IU/L. This enzyme is primarily found in the liver, heart, muscles, and kidneys, and it plays a role in amino acid metabolism. When evaluating liver function and damage, AST levels are one of the key biomarkers measured. An AST level above the normal range may indicate liver damage or other medical conditions, as the enzyme is released into the bloodstream when cells are damaged. Values outside the normal range can prompt further investigation into potential underlying health issues. Overall, understanding the normal range for AST levels is crucial in assessing patient health, particularly in critical care and hepatology settings.