The nurse would recognize which immune system disorder as being characterized by elevated lactate dehydrogenase, fragmented red blood cells (RBCs) seen with microscopic examination, and low red blood cell count, hematocrit (Hct), and hemoglobin (Hgb)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The clinical manifestations described in the question stem are indicative of idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia, in which the body produces antibodies that attack its own RBCs, resulting in hemolysis. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are an indicator of increased RBC destruction, and the presence of fragmented RBCs is a characteristic of intravascular hemolysis. Low RBC count, Hct, and Hgb levels are also common findings in this disorder. Serum sickness is a type III hypersensitivity reaction, pernicious anemia is caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, and hemolytic transfusion reaction occurs when a recipient's immune system attacks transfused RBCs.

The Nurse Would Recognize Which Immune System Disorder as Being