Question

Mr. J.B. is in the recovery room following a cholycystectomy. One hour after the surgery, the nurse notes oozing of blood from the small surgical incision. Hemoglobin, hematocrit and coagulation tests are ordered and the results are as follows:

Hbg: 12.1 g/dL

Hct: 37%

PT: 12 sec.

PTT: 29 sec.

BT: 4 min

1. Possible Deficiency?

2. What additional test(s) should be done to confirm diagnosis?

3. IS treatment necessary?

4. If so, what treatment should be given?

5. If the BT results were 12 min. with the other lab results remaining the same, what deficiency would be suspected?

Answer 1

1. Iron deficiency in blood causing anemia like symptoms.

2. To confirm the diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia, the doctor will ask for a complete blood count (CBC).

3. Yes, treatment is very necessary as it will create extra pressure on heart to pump more to compensate the low level of red blood cell in the body and can cause heart failure in later stage. Also, low level of oxygen in the blood are dangerous for other body organs.

4. Intravenous iron therapy, red blood cell transfusion or iron supplements can be used to treat this problem.

5. Deficiency of thrombocytes or platelets in the blood.