Question

Which laboratory result will the nurse expect to show a decreased value if a patient develops heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)?

a. Prothrombin time
b. Erythrocyte count
c. Fibrinogen degradation products
d. Activated partial thromboplastin time.

Answer 1

In heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a decreased erythrocyte count would be expected.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a patient who develops heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), the laboratory result that the nurse would expect to show a decreased value is b. Erythrocyte count. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a condition where the body forms antibodies against platelet factor 4 (PF4) that is bound to heparin. These antibodies can lead to platelet destruction and a decrease in the number of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the circulation.