Prepare for the NCLEX with a question on coagulation lab tests. Learn to identify increased bleeding risk, like a high PTT of 108 seconds, critical for patient safety and surgery readiness.
The nurse is reviewing coagulation lab test results for a patient who is scheduled for surgery later in the day and is not on any anticoagulant therapy. Which result is an indication of an increased bleeding risk?
A. Iron of 100 μg/dL
B. INR of 0.9
C. aPTT of 22 seconds
D. PTT of 108 seconds
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The correct answer to today’s NCLEX-RN® Question is…
D. PTT of 108 seconds
Rationale: A PTT of 108 seconds is a critically high result and is considered abnormal. The normal range for PTT is 60 to 70 seconds and the critical level for PTT is 100 seconds.
Major Takeaway
The normal range for partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is 60 to 70 seconds, while the normal range for activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 25 to 30 seconds, depending on the activator used. The critical level for PTT is 100 seconds and 70 seconds for aPTT. Normal iron level for clients assigned male at birth is 75-175 μg/dL and for those assigned female at birth is 28-162 μg/dL. Normal INR should be between 0.9 and 1.1.

Incorrect answer explanations
A. Iron of 100 μg/dL
Rationale: An iron of 100 μg/dL is within the normal range.
B. INR of 0.9
Rationale: An INR of 0.9 is within the normal range.
C. aPTT of 22 seconds
Rationale: An aPTT of 22 seconds is within the normal range.
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