Author Question: Three CSF tubes are received in the laboratory, numbered 1 through 3 based on the order in which ... (Read 38 times)

rosent76 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

Three CSF tubes are received in the laboratory, numbered 1 through 3 based on the order in which they were obtained, with 1 being the first. The first tube is cloudy pink, but this color diminishes and clearing occurs with each successive tube.

What does this suggest?

a. Internal bleeding into the CSF has occurred.
b. This is blood contaminating the CSF fluid from a traumatic puncture.
c. Bacterial infection is likely present.
d. Metastatic tumor is likely present.

Question 2

What is the best definition of anemia?

a. Red cell count 10 lower than the patient's baseline
b. Decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell count compared with healthy people in the same demographic group
c. Hemoglobin below 12 g/dL
d. Any clinical condition resulting in shortness of breath, increased heart rate, pallor, and fatigue

adf223 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
The turbid and pink color is due to the presence of red cells in the fluid. Because each succeeding tube becomes clearer and the pink color diminishes, a traumatic tap is most likely the cause. If there had been internal bleeding into the CSF, then each tube would appear the same. The presence of bacterial infection or metastatic tumor cells cannot be determined by simply a gross examination of the fluid.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The best definition of anemia is a decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red cell count compared with healthy people in the same demographic group. Ideally it would be a decrease below the patient's normal baseline, but that is often not known. Reference ages for hemoglobin vary dependent on sex, age, and environmental factors (e.g., altitude); for this reason a single cutoff such as 12 g/dL cannot be used. The symptoms for anemia are nonspecific, although they certainly help support the diagnosis.