Hemolytic anemia
Hemolytic anemia ( 15 Questions)
The nurse suspects immune-mediated hemolysis.
Which diagnostic test should the nurse prioritize to confirm this suspicion?
A complete blood count (CBC) with differential can provide information about the overall red blood cell count and indices but may not confirm the presence of immune-mediated hemolysis.
A peripheral blood smear can show abnormalities in the shape and structure of red blood cells but may not confirm the presence of immune-mediated hemolysis or identify the underlying cause.
The direct antiglobulin test (DAT), also known as the Coombs test, is used to detect the presence of antibodies or complement proteins on the surface of red blood cells. A positive DAT result indicates immune-mediated hemolysis, confirming the suspicion raised by the clinical presentation of pallor, fatigue, and splenomegaly. This test is crucial for diagnosing the specific type of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and guiding further management.
Serum bilirubin and haptoglobin levels can provide indirect evidence of hemolysis, but they do not confirm the presence of immune-mediated hemolysis or identify the underlying cause.
Choice A rationale:
A complete blood count (CBC) with differential can provide information about the overall red blood cell count and indices but may not confirm the presence of immune-mediated hemolysis.
Choice B rationale:
A peripheral blood smear can show abnormalities in the shape and structure of red blood cells but may not confirm the presence of immune-mediated hemolysis or identify the underlying cause.
Choice D rationale:
Serum bilirubin and haptoglobin levels can provide indirect evidence of hemolysis, but they do not confirm the presence of immune-mediated hemolysis or identify the underlying cause.
Choice C rationale:
The direct antiglobulin test (DAT), also known as the Coombs test, is used to detect the presence of antibodies or complement proteins on the surface of red blood cells.
A positive DAT result indicates immune-mediated hemolysis, confirming the suspicion raised by the clinical presentation of pallor, fatigue, and splenomegaly.
This test is crucial for diagnosing the specific type of immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and guiding further management.