The nurse is caring for a patient who has a deep leg wound that is badly infected. Which laboratory test results will the nurse expect to find in the patient's chart?
A) Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) 6.5 mg/dL
B) Decreased serum creatinine 0.8 mg/dL
C) Elevated serum bilirubin 0.5 mg/dL
D) Prothrombin time (PT) 11.5 sec

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver in response to inflammation, tissue damage, and infection. Blood levels of CRP have been used as a marker for inflammatory and autoimmune disorders. The nurse would expect to see an elevated CRP in a patient with an infected wound. Creatinine is an indicator of kidney function, and bilirubin is an indicator of liver function. Prothrombin time indicates clotting ability of the blood, particularly when the patient is taking warfarin (Coumadin).

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has a Deep