American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

What level of total bilirubin is generally considered acceptable?

1. 0.0-0.5 mg/dL

2. 0.5-1.5 mg/dL

3. 0.1-1.0 mg/dL

4. 1.0-2.0 mg/dL

The correct answer is: 0.1-1.0 mg/dL

The correct answer reflects the generally accepted range for total bilirubin in adults. A total bilirubin level of 0.1-1.0 mg/dL is often considered normal and acceptable in clinical practice. This range indicates that the body is effectively processing bilirubin, which is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated bilirubin levels could suggest issues such as liver dysfunction, hemolysis, or bile duct obstruction, making it crucial to understand and recognize the normal limits for effective patient assessment. Other ranges provided do not align with standard clinical thresholds for total bilirubin. Levels below 0.1 mg/dL can indicate a potential laboratory error or a very specific context in newborns, while levels above 1.0 mg/dL start to signal the need for further investigation.