Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Nursing Practice Test

What does an increased level of LDH (>333) indicate?

1. Inhibition of tumor growth

2. A benign tumor

3. Rapid cell turnover or damage

4. Bone marrow hyperplasia

The correct answer is: Rapid cell turnover or damage

An increased level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is often associated with rapid cell turnover or tissue damage. LDH is an enzyme that is released into the bloodstream when cells are damaged or die, which means that higher levels can indicate that a significant number of cells are undergoing necrosis or apoptosis. This condition can be seen in a variety of scenarios, particularly in malignancies where there is aggressive tumor growth or metastasis. In cancer patients, elevated LDH levels can also reflect the tumor burden or the metabolic activity of the tumor, signaling a poorer prognosis in some cases. In the context of cancer, elevated LDH levels often point to outcomes requiring further investigation, which can include assessing for metastatic disease or the presence of a hematologic malignancy, among others. Thus, when LDH levels exceed 333, it typically indicates that there is a process of rapid cell turnover or damage, rather than inhibition of tumor growth or benign processes.