A client's morning laboratory test results include hemoglobin 11.0 g/dL (110 g/L) and hematocrit 34% (0.34 volume fraction). Based on these findings, this client is at risk for which pathophysiological findings?

Reference Ranges:

Hemoglobin [14 to 18 g/dL (140 to 180 g/L)]

Hematocrit [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)]

Leukotrienes are inflammatory mediators derived from arachidonic acid metabolism, primarily produced by leukocytes (white blood cells) such as mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils. In the context of asthma, leukotrienes play a significant role in the pathophysiology of the disease by contributing to airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction. Here's a breakdown of their immune response:

A) Produce the sensation of itching:

Leukotrienes are not directly involved in producing the sensation of itching. Itching is often associated with histamine release rather than leukotrienes.

B) Tighten airway and produce mucous:

Correct. Leukotrienes are potent bronchoconstrictors that cause smooth muscle contraction in the airways, leading to narrowing (constriction) of the bronchioles. Additionally, they stimulate the secretion of mucus from goblet cells in the airway epithelium, contributing to airway obstruction and mucus production, which are characteristic features of asthma exacerbations.

C) Causes formation of bradykinin:

Bradykinin is a peptide mediator that is generated from the plasma protein kininogen and is involved in vasodilation, pain sensation, and inflammation. Leukotrienes are not directly responsible for the formation of bradykinin.

D) Serves as a receptor for antigen:

Leukotrienes do not serve as receptors for antigens. Instead, they are lipid mediators released in response to various stimuli, including allergens, infections, and irritants, and they act on specific receptors (e.g., leukotriene receptors) to exert their effects, such as bronchoconstriction and inflammation

A. Myocardial infarction:

Myocardial infarction (MI) typically presents with severe and prolonged chest pain or discomfort that is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. MI is characterized by myocardial necrosis due to prolonged ischemia, often resulting from the occlusion of a coronary artery by a thrombus or plaque rupture. While chest pressure and breathlessness are symptoms commonly associated with MI, the transient nature of the symptoms described by the client, as well as their relief after rest, is more indicative of stable angina rather than MI.

B. Unstable angina:

Unstable angina is characterized by new-onset angina, increasing frequency, or worsening intensity of angina symptoms. It is considered a medical emergency as it may precede a myocardial infarction. However, unstable angina typically presents with symptoms at rest or with minimal exertion and is not usually relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The client's symptoms, which are relieved by rest, are more consistent with stable angina.

C. Stable angina:

Stable angina is characterized by predictable chest pain or discomfort that occurs with exertion or stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The symptoms described by the client, including chest pressure and breathlessness that improve with rest, are consistent with stable angina. Stable angina occurs due to transient myocardial ischemia caused by an imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and demand, often related to coronary artery disease.

D. Prinzmetal angina:

Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs at rest, often in the early morning hours, and is typically caused by coronary artery spasm rather than fixed atherosclerotic lesions. While Prinzmetal angina can present with transient symptoms similar to those described by the client, it is less common than stable angina and is often associated with transient ST-segment elevation on electrocardiogram (ECG), which is not mentioned in the scenario.