In rhabdomyolysis, which laboratory abnormality is most characteristic?

Unlock all questions

This demo includes only 20 questions. Upgrade to access hundreds of questions, flashcards, exam simulations, and disable ads.

Full question bankExam simulationsFlashcards
From $25.99Unlock all

Study for the PANCE Precision Exam. Improve with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In rhabdomyolysis, which laboratory abnormality is most characteristic?

Explanation:
Rhabdomyolysis causes massive skeletal muscle breakdown, so the most telling lab sign is an enormous rise in creatine phosphokinase, reflecting the extent of muscle injury. CK is highly specific to muscle, so when levels skyrocket—often into tens of thousands of units per liter—it points to muscle damage rather than liver or other tissues. Other abnormalities like ALT and LDH can be elevated too, but they’re less specific to muscle injury. Hyperkalemia can occur because potassium is released from damaged cells, but its presence isn’t as diagnostic as a dramatic CK elevation. So, a very high CK level is the hallmark finding.

Rhabdomyolysis causes massive skeletal muscle breakdown, so the most telling lab sign is an enormous rise in creatine phosphokinase, reflecting the extent of muscle injury. CK is highly specific to muscle, so when levels skyrocket—often into tens of thousands of units per liter—it points to muscle damage rather than liver or other tissues. Other abnormalities like ALT and LDH can be elevated too, but they’re less specific to muscle injury. Hyperkalemia can occur because potassium is released from damaged cells, but its presence isn’t as diagnostic as a dramatic CK elevation. So, a very high CK level is the hallmark finding.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy