Which among the following is one of the laboratory findings of Dengue Haemorrhagic fever (DHF)?

UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg officer-2023

Explanation

Leukopenia (a decreased total white blood cell count) is a consistent and early finding in dengue virus infections.
According to clinical guidelines, progressive leukopenia often precedes the onset of the critical phase, which includes plasma leakage and a rapid drop in platelets.
While not the most specific sign for DHF (as it's also in Dengue Fever), it is a standard laboratory finding associated with the illness.
The other options represent incorrect thresholds or contradict the fundamental pathophysiology of DHF.

Option A: The diagnostic criterion for thrombocytopenia in DHF is a platelet count of 100,000 cells/mm³ or less. A count below 10,000 cells/mm³ represents a very severe form of thrombocytopenia but is not the defining threshold for DHF itself.
Option B: This statement is the opposite of what defines DHF. The hallmark of DHF is evidence of plasma leakage due to increased vascular permeability.
Option D: The diagnostic criterion for hemoconcentration in DHF is a rise in hematocrit of 20% or more above the baseline. A 5-10% rise is insufficient for a DHF diagnosis.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Laboratory diagnosis of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must closely monitor the complete blood count (CBC) of patients with suspected dengue. A falling WBC and platelet count with a rising hematocrit are red flags for progression to DHF.
The transition from the febrile to the critical phase (around the time of defervescence) is the most dangerous period. Vigilant monitoring for warning signs (e.g., severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, mucosal bleeding) and changes in vital signs is crucial for early intervention.
Patient education is vital. Nurses should instruct patients and families to watch for bleeding signs (petechiae, nosebleeds, black stools) and to avoid NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase bleeding risk.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept: The question asks for a specific laboratory finding of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF).
Recall the key diagnostic criteria that distinguish DHF from uncomplicated Dengue Fever (DF). The main features are thrombocytopenia and plasma leakage.
Evaluate each option against the standard WHO diagnostic criteria for DHF.
Option A (Thrombocytopenia < 10,000): The threshold is too low for the standard definition (which is ≤100,000).
Option B (No plasma loss): This is incorrect; plasma loss is the hallmark of DHF.
Option D (Hematocrit rise 5-10%): The threshold is too low; DHF requires a rise of ≥20%.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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