Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 4th Edition Test Bank Related

Review Maternity and Pediatric Nursing 4th Edition Test Bank related questions and content

Which of the following lab value profiles should the nurse know to be consistent with hemolytic anemia?

  • A. Increased RBC, decreased bilirubin, decreased Hgb and Hct, increased reticulocytes
  • B. Decreased RBC, increased bilirubin, decreased Hgb and Hct, increased reticulocytes
  • C. Decreased RBC, decreased bilirubin, increased Hgb and Hct, decreased reticulocytes
  • D. Increased RBC, increased bilirubin, increased Hgb and Hct, decreased reticulocytes
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hemolytic anemias are characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells. As a result, the lab values typically seen in hemolytic anemia include decreased red blood cell counts (RBC), increased bilirubin (due to the breakdown of red blood cells), decreased hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels, and increased reticulocytes (immature red blood cells released from the bone marrow in response to the increased demand for red blood cell production). Therefore, profile B aligns with the expected lab values consistent with hemolytic anemia.