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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Systemic vascular resistance represents the resistance to blood flow in the systemic circulation. It is an important indicator of afterload, which is the force against which the left ventricle must pump to eject blood into the systemic circulation. By monitoring the changes in SVR, the nurse can assess the impact of medications aimed at reducing left ventricular afterload.
A. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) in (option A) is incorrect because: PAWP is a measure of left ventricular preload and reflects the pressure within the left atrium and left ventricle at end-diastole. It is not specifically related to afterload reduction.
C. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in (option C) is incorrect because: PVR represents the resistance to blood flow in the pulmonary circulation. It is not directly related to left ventricular afterload.
D. Central venous pressure (CVP) in (option D) is incorrect because: CVP reflects the pressure in the right atrium and is an indicator of right-sided cardiac function. It is not specifically related to left ventricular afterload reduction.
Therefore, to assess the effectiveness of medications in reducing left ventricular afterload, the nurse should monitor the systemic vascular resistance (SVR).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When the low-pressure alarm sounds, it indicates that the pressure being detected by the arterial line is below the set threshold. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a loose connection, air bubbles, or a shift in the zero-reference point.
Rezeroing the monitoring equipment involves recalibrating or resetting the baseline reference point for the arterial pressure waveform. This ensures accurate measurement and monitoring of the patient's arterial pressure.
A. Checking the right hand for a rash in (option A) is incorrect because While assessing the patient for any skin changes or rashes is important, it is not the first action to take in response to a low-pressure alarm.
B. Assessing the waveform for under-dampening in (option B) is incorrect because Assessing the waveform characteristics is important in arterial line monitoring, but it may not be the initial action when the low-pressure alarm sounds. Rezeroing the equipment should be performed before assessing waveform characteristics.
C. Assessing for cardiac dysrhythmias in (option C) is incorrect because Assessing for dysrhythmias is an important aspect of patient care, but it may not be directly related to the low-pressure alarm from the arterial line. Rezeroing the monitoring equipment takes precedence.
Therefore, when the low-pressure alarm sounds for a patient with an arterial line, the nurse should first re-zero the monitoring equipment to ensure accurate measurement of arterial pressure.
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