A nurse is reviewing the PT, aPTT, and INR laboratory values for a client who is experiencing an acute episode of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse expect?
The laboratory values are within the expected reference range.
The laboratory values are prolonged.
The laboratory values are the same as the previous test values.
The laboratory values are decreased.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because the laboratory values are not within the expected reference range in a client who has DIC. DIC is a condition that causes abnormal activation of the clotting cascade, leading to widespread microthrombi formation and consumption of clotting factors and platelets. This results in bleeding complications and organ dysfunction.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because the laboratory values are prolonged in a client who has DIC. PT, aPTT, and INR are tests that measure the time it takes for blood to clot. PT measures the extrinsic pathway, aPTT measures the intrinsic pathway, and INR is a standardized ratio of PT. In DIC, these tests are prolonged because of the depletion of clotting factors and platelets.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because the laboratory values are not the same as the previous test values in a client who has DIC. DIC is an acute and dynamic condition that can change rapidly depending on the underlying cause and treatment. The laboratory values may fluctuate between normal, prolonged, or shortened depending on the balance between clotting and bleeding.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because the laboratory values are not decreased in a client who has DIC. Decreased laboratory values would indicate a shortened clotting time, which can occur in some cases of DIC when there is excessive clotting and thrombosis. However, this is not the typical finding in DIC, as most clients present with bleeding manifestations and prolonged clotting time.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because flatened neck veins are not a sign of cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart, causing compression and impaired filling of the heart chambers. This leads to reduced cardiac output and hypotension. One of the manifestations of cardiac tamponade is distended neck veins due to increased venous pressure and impaired venous return.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because bradycardia is not a sign of cardiac tamponade. Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal (less than 60 beats per minute). It may be caused by various factors such as vagal stimulation, medication side effects, hypothyroidism, or sinus node dysfunction. It may cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or syncope, but it does not indicate cardiac tamponade.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because sudden lethargy is not a specific sign of cardiac tamponade. Lethargy is a condition in which the person feels tired, sluggish, or drowsy. It may be caused by various factors such as sleep deprivation, depression, infection, anemia, or hypoglycemia. It may affect the person's mental and physical performance, but it does not indicate cardiac tamponade.
Choice D Reason: This choice is correct because muffled heart sounds are a sign of cardiac tamponade. Muffled heart sounds are heart sounds that are fainter or softer than normal due to reduced transmission of sound waves through fluid-filled pericardial sac. They may indicate that the heart function is compromised by cardiac tamponade and require immediate intervention such as pericardiocentesis (removal of fluid from pericardial sac).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because magnesium 2.5 mEq/L is a normal value and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI. Magnesium is an electrolyte that plays a role in muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and energy production. The normal range for magnesium is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because serum osmolality 290 mOsm/kg H2O is a normal value and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI. Serum osmolality is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood, such as sodium, glucose, and urea. The normal range for serum osmolality is 275 to 295 mOsm/kg H2O.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL is a normal value and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI. BUN is a measure of the amount of urea, a waste product of protein metabolism, in the blood. The normal range for BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because serum creatinine 1.8 mg/dL is an elevated value and indicates an increased risk of AKI. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. The normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for women and 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL for men. An increase in serum creatinine indicates a decrease in kidney function and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
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