Which of the following clinical manifestations of Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
Decreased hematocrit, increased platelet counts, increased D-dimer
Decreased platelet counts, increased D-dimer, increased prothrombin time
Decreased Antithrombin III, increased platelet counts, increased fibrinogen
Decreased D-dimer, increased platelet counts, Increased hemoglobin
The Correct Answer is B
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) is a condition characterized by widespread activation of the coagulation system, leading to both excessive clot formation and consumption of clotting factors and platelets. This process can result in both bleeding and thrombosis.
The manifestations mentioned in option B are commonly seen in DIC:
Decreased platelet counts: DIC leads to platelet consumption and destruction, resulting in low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia).
Increased D-dimer: D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product, and its levels are increased DIC due to the breakdown of fibrin clots.
Increased prothrombin time (PT): DIC can lead to the depletion of clotting factors, resulting in prolonged prothrombin time, indicating impaired coagulation.
The other options mentioned do not represent the typical clinical manifestations of DIC:
A. Decreased hematocrit, increased platelet counts, and increased D-dimer in (option A) are incorrect because While platelet counts and D-dimer are increased in DIC, decreased hematocrit is not a characteristic finding.
C. Decreased Antithrombin III, increased platelet counts, and increased fibrinogen in (option C) is incorrect because: Decreased Antithrombin III can be seen in DIC, but increased platelet counts and fibrinogen levels are not specific to DIC.
D. Decreased D-dimer, increased platelet counts, and increased hemoglobin in (option D) is incorrect because Decreased D-dimer and increased hemoglobin are not typical findings in DIC, while increased platelet counts can be seen in some cases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The QTc (corrected QT) interval is a measure of the time it takes for the ventricles to depolarize and repolarize during a cardiac cycle. It is corrected for heart rate (HR) to account for variations in the cardiac cycle length.
The normal range for the QTc interval varies depending on the calculation method used but generally falls within 0.36 to 0.44 seconds. In the given options, the range of 0.33 to 0.47 seconds for the QTc interval is wider than the normal range, suggesting a prolonged QTc interval, which can be indicative of a potential risk for arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and torsades de pointes.
B. QT interval that varies with HR in (option B) is normal because The QT interval alone can vary with heart rate, and this is considered a normal physiological adaptation.
C. QRS interval <0.12 seconds in (option C) is normal because The QRS interval represents the time it takes for ventricular depolarization and is normally less than 0.12 seconds.
D. PR interval 0.12 to 0.24 seconds in (option D) is normal because The PR interval represents the time it takes for atrial depolarization and conduction through the AV node. The normal range is typically 0.12 to 0.20 seconds.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Lactate is a by-product of anaerobic metabolism that accumulates when there is insufficient oxygen supply to meet cellular metabolic demands. In the context of severe tissue hypoxia, such as in septic shock, the body may resort to anaerobic metabolism, leading to increased lactate production and elevated lactate levels in the blood.
Elevated lactate levels, typically above 4.0 mmol/L, are indicative of tissue hypoxia and inadequate oxygenation at the cellular level. Higher lactate levels, such as 9.0 mmol/L, suggest more severe tissue hypoxia and increased anaerobic metabolism.
A. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 64 seconds in (option A) is incorrect because: PTT is a laboratory test that evaluates the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. While coagulation abnormalities may occur in septic shock, PTT alone does not specifically indicate severe tissue hypoxia.
C. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L (2.8 mmol/L) (option C) is incorrect because Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can be a concern in septic shock, but it does not directly indicate severe tissue hypoxia.
D. PaCO2 58 mm Hg in (option D) is incorrect because: PaCO2 refers to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood and is a measure of the respiratory status. While an elevated PaCO2 can be a sign of respiratory acidosis, it is not specific to severe tissue hypoxia.
Therefore, in a critically ill patient with septic shock, an elevated lactate level, such as 9.0 mmol/L, indicates severe tissue hypoxia and inadequate oxygenation at the cellular level
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today