A nurse is reviewing laboratory data from a client who has pulmonary embolism and is receiving IV heparin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 55 seconds
Hematocrit 45%
White blood cell count 8,000/mm³
Platelets 74,000/mm³
The Correct Answer is D
A. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 55 seconds: This PTT value is within the therapeutic range for a client on heparin therapy.
B. Hematocrit 45%: This hematocrit value is within normal limits and is not concerning.
C. White blood cell count 8,000/mm³: A WBC count of 8,000/mm³ is within the normal range and does not require reporting.
D. Platelets 74,000/mm³: A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a potentially serious complication of heparin therapy.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Barrel chest. A barrel chest is commonly seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rather than mitral valve stenosis.
B. Bradycardia. Bradycardia is not typically associated with mitral valve stenosis, as symptoms often include rapid or irregular heartbeat.
C. Clubbing of the fingers. Clubbing is associated with chronic hypoxia, often due to pulmonary conditions, not specifically with mitral valve stenosis.
D. Heart murmur. Mitral valve stenosis causes turbulent blood flow through the narrowed valve, resulting in a characteristic murmur.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. To prevent blood clotting: Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent, and it reduces blood clot formation, which helps prevent further cardiac events after an MI.
B. To reduce inflammation: Although aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties, this is not the primary reason for its use in post-MI clients.
C. To prevent fever: Aspirin can reduce fever, but this is not its purpose in MI prevention.
D. To provide analgesia: Aspirin can relieve pain, but in this context, it is used to prevent blood clotting, not as an analgesic.