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 C
Explanation
A. Calcium 10 mg/dL: This calcium level is within the normal range (8.6-10.2 mg/dL) and does not require intervention.
B. Sodium 136 mEq/L: This sodium level is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L).
C. Potassium 2.3 mEq/L: This potassium level is critically low; bumetanide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, which can lead to dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias.
D. Magnesium 1.4 mEq/L: While slightly low, this magnesium level is only mildly decreased and not as immediately concerning as the potassium level.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The ST segment is above the isoelectric line. An elevated ST segment is a hallmark sign of acute myocardial infarction (MI), indicating myocardial injury.
B. The QRS intervals are 0.08 second. A QRS interval of 0.08 seconds is within the normal range and does not indicate myocardial infarction.
C. The QT interval is equal to the R to R interval. QT interval measurements are not diagnostic for acute MI.
D. The PR intervals are 0.15 second. A PR interval of 0.15 seconds is within the normal range and is not indicative of acute MI.