Name and perform the calculation to determine the integrity of the patient’s blood–brain barrier.
1. A 35-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with symptoms of intermittent blurred vision, weakness, and loss of sensation in her legs. A lumbar puncture is performed with the following results: Appearance: Colorless, clear WBC count: 35 cells/µ L (90% lymphocytes) Glucose: 60 mg/dL (plasma: 100 mg/dL) Protein: 60 mg/dL (serum: 8 g/dL) Albumin: […]
Would a CSF lactate test be of any value for the diagnosis? Why or why not?
1. Mary Howard, age 5, is admitted to the pediatrics ward with a temperature of 105%F, lethargy, and cervical rigidity. A lumbar spinal tap is performed, and three tubes of cloudy CSF are delivered to the laboratory. Preliminary test results are as follows: Appearance: Cloudy WBC count: 800 cells/µ L Differential: 80% lymphocytes, 15% monocytes, […]
Explain the different interpretations offered by these two tests.
1. A semen analysis on a vasovasostomy patient has a normal sperm concentration; however, motility is decreased, and clumping is observed on the wet preparation. a. Explain the possible connection between these observations and the patient’s recent surgery. b. What tests could be performed to further evaluate the patient’s infertility? c. Briefly explain the different […]
Describe the tubes into which the fluid would be routinely placed.
1. A 50-year-old man presents in the emergency department with severe pain and swelling in the right knee. Arthrocentesis is performed and 20 mL of milky synovial fluid is collected. The physician orders a Gram stain, culture, and crystal examination of the fluid, as well as a serum uric acid. She requests that the synovial […]
What is the most probable cause of the effusion?
1. A cloudy pleural fluid has a glucose level of 30 mg/dL (serum glucose level is 100 mg/dL) and a pH of 6.8. a. What condition do these results indicate? b. What additional treatment might the patient receive, based on these results? 2. The following results were obtained on a peritoneal fluid: serum albumin, 2.8 […]