A patient is suspected of having hemolytic anemia due to an enzyme deficiency.Which test should the nurse expect the health-care provider to order for this patient to assess this problem?
A)Prolactin
B)Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)
C)Pseudocholinesterase
D)Pyruvate kinase (PK)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pyruvate kinase (PK) is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the production of ATP by red blood cells. Deficiency of this enzyme can lead to hemolytic anemia. Therefore, PK assay is the appropriate test to assess hemolysis related to enzyme deficiency. Prolactin and PSA levels are unrelated to this condition, and pseudocholinesterase testing is more commonly used to assess the metabolism of certain medications.

A Patient Is Suspected of Having Hemolytic Anemia Due to an Enzyme