Which laboratory report finding would support the nurse's conclusion that a patient has thalassemia major? Select all that apply.
One, some, or all responses may be correct.
Increased bilirubin levels.
Increased reticulocyte level.
Increased mean corpuscular volume.
Increased total iron-binding capacity.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A rationale:
Increased bilirubin levels can occur in thalassemia major due to the destruction of red blood cells, leading to elevated bilirubin, which is a breakdown product of hemoglobin. This elevation can contribute to jaundice and other symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Thalassemia major leads to the destruction of red blood cells, causing the bone marrow to release more reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) into the bloodstream. Therefore, an increased reticulocyte level is expected in thalassemia major.
Choice C rationale:
Increased mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is not a typical finding in thalassemia major. Thalassemia major is characterized by microcytic (smaller than normal) red blood cells, leading to a decreased MCV.
Choice D rationale:
Thalassemia major causes increased iron absorption by the intestines, leading to elevated total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) TIBC measures the body's capacity to bind and transport iron in the blood, and elevated levels are seen in conditions with increased iron demand, such as thalassemia major.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Metabolic acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and low bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, and the low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg) indicate respiratory acidosis, not metabolic acidosis.
Choice B rationale:
Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and high bicarbonate ion levels. The patient's pH is low (7.32), and the bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is within the normal range, indicating respiratory acidosis rather than metabolic alkalosis.
Choice C rationale:
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low blood pH and high PaCO2 levels. In this case, the patient has a low pH (7.32) and elevated PaCO2 (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis. The bicarbonate ion level (24 mEq/L) is a compensatory response. Respiratory alkalosis would present with high pH and low PaCO2 levels.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by high blood pH and low PaCO2 levels. The patient's PaCO2 level is elevated (56 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis, not alkalosis. The low pH (7.32) further supports the diagnosis of respiratory acidosis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Adequate platelet production does not explain the prolonged bleeding times in von Willebrand disease. These patients often have normal platelet counts, but their platelets do not function properly due to the absence or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor.
Choice B rationale:
Deficiency in intrinsic clotting system factor is not the primary cause of prolonged bleeding times in von Willebrand disease. The deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, a protein that helps platelets adhere to the blood vessel walls and clot properly, is the key issue in this disorder.
Choice C rationale:
Impairment of the thrombin fibrinogen reaction does not directly relate to von Willebrand disease. This disorder primarily involves platelet dysfunction and variable factor VIII deficiencies, leading to prolonged bleeding times.
Choice D rationale:
Variable factor VIII deficiencies and platelet dysfunction are characteristic of von Willebrand disease. Factor VIII helps with blood clotting, and its deficiency, along with impaired platelet function, contributes to the prolonged bleeding times in patients with von Willebrand disease.
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