AAA rupture

[DMBFAN4EVR]

I need HELP! If a pt has a AAA that ruptures will their WBC level be increased OR decreased?? Thank you so much to anybody that can answer this! I really appreciate it.

[GilaRRT]

Well, if they live long enough to care about their WBC, then you could expect it to elevate. I think you could do a little research to find out why.

[DMBFAN4EVR]

I appreciate the response. There is nothing in my text books regarding WBC related to hypovalemic shock and online I just saw that they are increased when an infection is present.

[GilaRRT]

Ok, well you need to do a little more research into the immune system and the immune response. There is more than hypovolemic shock going on. Assuming the patient survives the initial rupture and his problem is repaired, you question is more relevant in the post surgical setting.

With that in mind, does the WBC only increase in response to infection? Is the WBC even a specific finding for much of anything? Are there specific components to the WBC?

[DMBFAN4EVR]

That actual question was this:

How do you know that a pt has an AAA that has ruptured?

The correct answers where: decreased BP, pain, decreased H&H

Then we had to choose between decreased WBC or increased WBC.

[GilaRRT]

I understand the question; however, I am challenging you to turn this into a learning experience. You gain nothing by reading "this is the answer," do some research and find out why. This will help you better understand the answer.

[DMBFAN4EVR]

Ok, is the WBC increased in relation to the heart failing? Trust me. I have been looking into this question for days. Apparently there is something that i'm just not getting. I know that WBC increase in relation to an MI.

[Neveranurseagain, RN]

That actual question was this:

How do you know that a pt has an AAA that has ruptured?

The correct answers where: decreased BP, pain, decreased H&H

Then we had to choose between decreased WBC or increased WBC.

Answer: When the pt codes its usually meant that their AAA has ruptured.

[ktwlpn, LPN]

Well, if they live long enough to care about their WBC, then you could expect it to elevate. QUOTE]

:loveya:

exactly what i was thinking-

[rnmi2004]

Well, if they live long enough to care about their WBC, then you could expect it to elevate. I think you could do a little research to find out why.

I was thinking, if a pt has a ruptured AAA, who the he** cares about the WBC? I should have known it was a nursing school question!

[oramar]

The sad truth is most people with this condition do not live long enough to worry about WBCs.

[DMBFAN4EVR]

I'm starting to think I never should have posted this question. As this is only making me more frustrated! Ughhh!