Question

which is a likely laboratory finding in a patient with multiple myeloma? a) hypouricemia b) hypocalcemia c) normal a:g ratio d) m - spike on serum protein electrophoresis

Explanation:

Multiple myeloma is characterized by abnormal proliferation of plasma cells that produce excessive monoclonal immunoglobulins.

• Hypouricemia (low uric acid) is not typical; myeloma often causes hyperuricemia from cell breakdown.
• Hypocalcemia (low calcium) is uncommon; bone destruction in myeloma usually leads to hypercalcemia.
• The albumin-to-globulin (A:G) ratio is typically reversed (not normal) due to excess monoclonal globulins.
• An M-spike (monoclonal protein peak) on serum protein electrophoresis is a classic, defining laboratory finding for multiple myeloma, caused by the overproduction of a single abnormal immunoglobulin.

Answer:

D) M-spike on serum protein electrophoresis