A 70-year-old female patient is scheduled for surgery in two hours. Which of the following laboratory findings warrant the most immediate notification of the physician ?

Option 1 : Prothrombin time 22 seconds

Concept:

• Geriatric patient -> 65 years and above age group patients.
• There are certain biological factors which must be kept in mind before proceeding with a surgery this include:-
  • Age 
  • Medical history
  • Surgical history
  • Diet habits
  • Life-style habits
• Fitness of the patient plays a big role in the success of a surgery.

Explanation

• Prothrombin -> Clotting factor -> Essential in wound healing -> Stops excess blood loss.
• Prothrombin time -> Test to check blood clotting.
• Normal range of prothrombin time -> 11 to 13.5 seconds.
• Here Prothrombin time is 22 seconds which is a matter of concerns. 
• In such cases the surgery is delayed until the patient maintains this vital parameters for surgery.
• Prothrombin time 22 seconds -> Longer than usual time for blood to coagulate -> Risk of excessive blood loss due to surgery.

• Hemoglobin 11 g/dL -> Normal hemoglobin level.
• Creatinine 1.0 mg/dL -> Normal range.
• Potassium 4.6 mEq/dL -> Normal range.