A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is at risk for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?
Platelets 156,000/mm³
Fibrinogen 85 mg/dL
PT 12 seconds
PTT 64 seconds
The Correct Answer is B
A. Platelets 156,000/mm³: This platelet count is within the normal range (normal range: 150,000 to 400,000/mm³). Although disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) can lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), the platelet count in this scenario is not indicative of DIC.
B. Fibrinogen 85 mg/dL: This is the correct answer. A decreased fibrinogen level is often seen in DIC. Fibrinogen is consumed in the formation of microclots, and a low level may indicate ongoing coagulation.
C. PT 12 seconds: The prothrombin time (PT) is within the normal range. In DIC, the PT may be prolonged due to the consumption of clotting factors, but in this case, the PT is normal.
D. PTT 64 seconds: The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is prolonged, which can be an indication of DIC. However, the more specific indicator in this scenario is the low fibrinogen level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Foot ulcers: Foot ulcers are more commonly associated with the later stages of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when there is significant impairment of blood flow to the extremities, leading to tissue damage and delayed wound healing.
B. Intermittent claudication: This is the correct answer. Intermittent claudication is a classic symptom of PAD in the early stage. It is characterized by cramping leg pain or discomfort that occurs during physical activity, such as walking, and is relieved by rest. It is caused by insufficient blood flow to meet the demands of the muscles during exercise.
C. Rest pain: Rest pain is typically a symptom of more advanced PAD. It occurs when blood flow is severely compromised even at rest, leading to pain in the affected extremity that is not relieved by activity.
D. Dependent rubor: Dependent rubor is a sign of severe PAD and occurs when the foot or leg becomes red or flushed when in a dependent position. It is associated with compromised arterial blood flow.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "This test will help my provider adjust my warfarin dosages": aPTT is not typically used to monitor warfarin therapy. Instead, it is more commonly associated with monitoring heparin therapy.
B. "If my levels are too low, I am at an increased risk for bleeding": This statement is inaccurate. Low levels of clotting factors could lead to a prolonged aPTT, which might increase the risk of bleeding.
C. "It measures deficiencies in clotting factors."
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a laboratory test that evaluates the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. The aPTT measures the time it takes for a clot to form and reflects the activity of various clotting factors, including factors VIII, IX, XI, and XII. An elevated aPTT may indicate a deficiency or dysfunction of one or more clotting factors.
D. "I will need to skip breakfast until after the test is complete": There is no need for the client to skip breakfast before an aPTT test. The test is not affected by food intake.
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