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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View Related questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
A. "This medication can make me have mood swings." Beta blockers can cause mood changes, such as depression or mood swings, as a side effect.
B. "I may have urinary incontinence while taking this medication." Urinary incontinence is not a common side effect of beta blockers.
C. "I should not drive while taking this new medication." Beta blockers can cause dizziness or fatigue, so clients should avoid driving until they know how the medication affects them.
D. "I may have frequent hiccups while taking this medication." Hiccups are not a common side effect of beta blockers.
E. "This new medication may decrease my sex drive." Beta blockers can sometimes cause decreased libido as a side effect.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Schedule deep tissue massage with physical therapy. Massaging the area is contraindicated in cases of suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as it can dislodge the clot, leading to a pulmonary embolism.
B. Monitor Homan's sign. Homan’s sign (pain in the calf upon dorsiflexion) is no longer considered a reliable or safe assessment for DVT due to the risk of dislodging a clot.
C. Obtain platelet aggregation studies. Platelet aggregation studies are not specific to diagnosing a DVT; instead, imaging is preferred.
D. Arrange for a venous duplex ultrasound. A venous duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive test that can confirm the presence of a DVT in the affected extremity.