Diagnostic Criteria and Investigations
Diagnostic Criteria and Investigations ( 16 Questions)
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client with HELLP syndrome.
Which of the following findings would indicate hemolysis?
Elevated serum creatinine indicates kidney dysfunction, which is not specific for hemolysis.
Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) indicates hemolysis, which is one of the components of HELLP syndrome. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells that occurs when they pass through damaged blood vessels.
• Serum creatinine: 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL
• Serum LDH: 140 to 280 U/L
• Serum ALP: 44 to 147 IU/L
• Serum uric acid: 2.4 to 6.0 mg/dL
Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) indicates liver damage, which is another component of HELLP syndrome, but not specific for hemolysis.
Elevated serum uric acid indicates increased purine metabolism, which can be associated with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, but not specific for hemolysis.
Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) indicates hemolysis, which is one of the components of HELLP syndrome. Hemolysis is the destruction of red blood cells that occurs when they pass through damaged blood vessels.
Choice A is wrong because elevated serum creatinine indicates kidney dysfunction, which is not specific for hemolysis.
Choice C is wrong because elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) indicates liver damage, which is another component of HELLP syndrome, but not specific for hemolysis.
Choice D is wrong because elevated serum uric acid indicates increased purine metabolism, which can be associated with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, but not specific for hemolysis.