You are caring for a patient with sepsis who has developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which assessments should you prioritize? (Select all that apply)
Urine output
White blood cell count
Level of consciousness
Weight
Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer : A,C,E
Choice A reason: Monitoring urine output is critical in sepsis-induced DIC, as it reflects renal perfusion and organ function. Decreased output may indicate hypoperfusion or acute kidney injury from microthrombi, common in DIC, making this a priority assessment to guide fluid and supportive therapy.
Choice B reason: White blood cell count is relevant in sepsis but less specific for DIC progression. It indicates infection severity but does not directly assess DIC’s coagulopathy or organ impact, making it a lower-priority assessment compared to organ function indicators.
Choice C reason: Level of consciousness is a priority, as DIC can cause cerebral microthrombi or hemorrhage, leading to neurological changes. Altered consciousness signals potential brain involvement or systemic hypoperfusion, necessitating immediate intervention, making this a critical assessment in sepsis with DIC.
Choice D reason: Weight assessment is not a priority in acute sepsis with DIC, as it does not directly reflect coagulopathy or organ dysfunction. Fluid shifts may occur, but urine output and other vital signs are more immediate indicators, making this non-essential.
Choice E reason: Oxygen saturation is crucial, as DIC can impair pulmonary perfusion through microthrombi, causing hypoxemia. Sepsis also increases oxygen demand, and low saturation indicates respiratory compromise, making this a priority assessment to ensure adequate oxygenation.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Red blood cells are not a direct measure of inflammation; they assess anemia or oxygen-carrying capacity. Inflammation is measured by WBC, ESR, and fever, which reflect immune activity and systemic response, so this is incorrect for inflammation measurement.
Choice B reason: White blood cells (WBC) increase during inflammation (leukocytosis), indicating immune activation. This is a standard laboratory measure of inflammatory processes, making it a correct choice for assessing inflammation in clinical practice.
Choice C reason: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures how quickly red blood cells settle, rising with inflammation due to increased proteins. It’s a common marker for inflammatory conditions, making it a correct selection for measuring inflammation.
Choice D reason: Fever is a clinical sign of inflammation, driven by cytokines like IL-6. It’s a systemic response measured via temperature, making it a correct choice for assessing inflammation alongside laboratory markers like WBC and ESR.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Extending red blood cell lifespan is not a goal in polycythemia vera, where excessive red cell production increases blood viscosity. Treatment aims to reduce cell mass, not prolong cell life, as this would worsen hyperviscosity, making this an incorrect goal.
Choice B reason: Reducing the mean size of red blood cells is irrelevant, as polycythemia vera involves increased red cell count, not size. Treatment focuses on lowering hematocrit to decrease viscosity, not altering cell dimensions, making this an incorrect treatment goal.
Choice C reason: Reducing blood viscosity is the primary goal in polycythemia vera, achieved through phlebotomy or myelosuppressive therapy to lower red cell mass. This alleviates symptoms like itching and prevents thrombotic complications, directly addressing the disease’s pathophysiology, making this correct.
Choice D reason: Controlling hypertension is a secondary concern in polycythemia vera, often resulting from increased blood volume. While managed, the primary goal is reducing blood viscosity to prevent complications, as hypertension is a symptom, not the root cause, making this incorrect.
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