06.07.2023 - By Jon Haws RN: Critical Care Nurse & NCLEX Educator
Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of C-Reactive Protein in clinical practice Lab Test Name: C-Reactive Protein – CRP Description: C-reactive protein (CRP) is made in the liver in response to inflammation Measures CRP in the blood Increases quickly Decreases quickly Indications: Monitor or Identify: Inflammation in the body Appendicitis Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) Crohn’s Ulcerative Colitis Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Lupus (SLE – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) Evaluate: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Cholesterol level – atherosclerosis Normal Therapeutic Values: Normal – <1.0 mg/L Collection: Serum separator tube What would cause increased levels? Increased=Inflammation Bacterial Infection Crohn’s Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease Lupus Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Pregnancy – estrogen Myocardial Infarction (MI) What would cause decreased levels? Decreased=resolving inflammation Medications that reduce inflammation: NSAIDs Statins Steroids