The nurse is evaluating the outcomes for a client diagnosed with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which laboratory value reflects a positive outcome?
Decreased D-dimer level
Elevated fibrinogen level
Decreased platelet count
Prolonged prothrombin time (PT)
The Correct Answer is A
A. A decreased D-dimer level is a positive outcome, as D-dimer is elevated in DIC due to the formation of clots and the breakdown of fibrin. Lower levels indicate less clot formation and better control of the condition.
B. Fibrinogen levels are typically low in DIC due to consumption of clotting factors. Elevated fibrinogen in this case would be a negative indicator, suggesting that clotting is not resolving.
C. A decreased platelet count is a hallmark of DIC and indicates ongoing consumption of platelets due to widespread clotting. A decrease would not be a positive outcome.
D. A prolonged PT is another indicator of DIC, suggesting impaired clotting function. This is not a positive outcome.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Cryoprecipitate is indicated for low fibrinogen or clotting factor issues, but the client’s primary issue
here is anemia and thrombocytopenia.
B. FFP is used to replace clotting factors. While it could be considered in certain situations, in this case, the primary concern is the severe anemia and thrombocytopenia.
C. This is the most appropriate choice, as the patient has low hemoglobin (anemia) and a very low platelet count, both of which require packed red blood cells and platelets.
D. This combination is typically used for clotting factor issues, not anemia and thrombocytopenia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A value of 119 seconds would indicate a therapeutic or even elevated level of heparin, as it is much higher than the normal aPTT range.
B. A value of 98 seconds is still above the normal aPTT range, suggesting that the heparin level is therapeutic, or even too high, but not sub-therapeutic.
C. This is just slightly above the normal range and might be considered a therapeutic range for someone
on heparin, but it’s not sub-therapeutic.
D. This aPTT value is above the normal range but likely not high enough to indicate therapeutic heparin levels, which should typically be between 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal aPTT. A sub-therapeutic level could be indicated with a lower value.
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