Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

What might an increased D Dimer level suggest in a patient?

1. Infection without clotting issues

2. Increased clot formation and breakdown

3. Low liver function

4. Decreased platelet activity

The correct answer is: Increased clot formation and breakdown

An increased D-dimer level is most commonly associated with increased clot formation and breakdown in the body. D-dimer is a fibrin degradation product that is produced when a blood clot dissolves. Therefore, elevated levels indicate that the process of coagulation and fibrinolysis is occurring, typically as a response to a blood clot. In clinical practice, elevated D-dimer levels can indicate various conditions associated with increased thrombotic activity, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). It is important to understand that while D-dimer testing is particularly useful in excluding thrombotic events, its elevation is not specific and can be seen in other conditions as well, including inflammation and malignancy. On the other hand, the other possible answers do not directly correlate with the implications of an elevated D-dimer. For example, while infection can potentially elevate D-dimer levels, it generally does not indicate a direct association with the formation or breakdown of clots. Low liver function and decreased platelet activity have different implications and are not primarily reflected in D-dimer levels. Thus, the interpretation of increased D-dimer as indicating increased clot formation and breakdown is the most