A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a pre-term newborn who was born at 32 weeks of gestation.
Which of the following values indicates a potential complication of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?
Hematocrit 45%
Platelets 150,000/mm3
White blood cell count 25,000/mm3
Blood glucose 80 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is C
White blood cell count 25,000/mm3.
This indicates a potential complication of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which is the death of intestinal tissue in premature or sick newborns. A high white blood cell count can be a sign of infection or inflammation in the bowel, which are common features of NEC.
Choice A is wrong because hematocrit 45% is within the normal range for newborns.
Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood.
A low hematocrit can indicate blood loss or anemia, which can be complications of NEC, but a normal hematocrit does not rule out NEC.
Choice B is wrong because platelets 150,000/mm3 is also within the normal range for newborns.
Platelets are cells that help the blood clot. A low platelet count can indicate a consumption coagulopathy, which is a bleeding disorder that can occur in severe cases of NEC.
However, a normal platelet count does not exclude NEC.
Choice D is wrong because blood glucose 80 mg/dL is also within the normal range for newborns.
Blood glucose measures the amount of sugar in the blood.
A low blood glucose can indicate hypoglycemia, which can be caused by sepsis or other conditions that mimic NEC, but a normal blood glucose does not eliminate NEC.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A white blood cell count of 12,000/mm3 indicates an infection that can trigger pre-term labor.The normal range for white blood cell count in pregnancy is 5.7-15.0×10 9 /L, which is equivalent to 5,700-15,000/mm3.
A count above this range suggests an inflammatory response to an infection.
Choice B is wrong because a hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is within the normal range for pregnancy, which is 10-14 g/dL.
Choice C is wrong because a platelet count of 250,000/mm3 is within the normal range for pregnancy, which is 150,000-400,000/mm3.
Choice D is wrong because a blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL is within the normal range for pregnancy, which is 70-110 mg/dL.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
All of the above.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a condition that affects preterm newborns who have immature lungs and lack sufficient surfactant.
Surfactant is a substance that helps keep the alveoli open and prevents them from collapsing.
Without enough surfactant, the newborn has difficulty breathing and may develop hypoxia and acidosis.
Choice A is wrong because tachypnea and grunting are signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.
They can also be caused by other conditions such as transient tachypnea of the newborn, pneumonia, or congenital heart defects.
Choice B is wrong because bradycardia and cyanosis are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.
They can also be caused by other conditions such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or sepsis.
Choice C is wrong because apnea and nasal flaring are also signs of respiratory distress, but they are not specific to RDS.
They can also be caused by other conditions such as intracranial ...
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