ATI Hematologic System Related

Review ATI Hematologic System related questions and content

A 12-year-old girl presents to your clinic with significant menstrual bleeding at the onset of menarche and is noted to have a hemoglobin of 9.9, although she is not symptomatic from her anemia. Her mother reports that she has a history of epistaxis when she was a child with some episodes lasting 30 minutes and that she also has heavy menstrual bleeding. Which of the following tests will lead to the most likely diagnosis?

  • A. Factor XI level
  • B. Factor X level
  • C. Factor XIII level
  • D. Ristoectin cofactor activity
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Ristoectin cofactor activity. The scenario describes a young girl with significant menstrual bleeding and a history of prolonged epistaxis, suggesting a bleeding disorder. Given the clinical presentation, the most likely diagnosis is von Willebrand disease (vWD), the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Ristocetin cofactor activity is a specific test for vWD, as it assesses the ability of von Willebrand factor to bind to platelets in the presence of ristocetin. Factors XI, X, and XIII are not typically associated with vWD, making choices A, B, and C incorrect. Testing for Factor VIII/von Willebrand factor antigen levels and vWF multimer analysis may also be considered to confirm the diagnosis.