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 A
Explanation
A. "Cardiac rehabilitation cannot undo the damage to your heart, but it can help you get back to your previous level of activity safely." This response is therapeutic and educative, helping the client understand that while damage cannot be reversed, rehabilitation supports safe recovery and improved quality of life.
B. "Your doctor is the expert here, and I'm sure he would only recommend what is best for you." This response does not address the client’s concerns and lacks supportive or educational value.
C. "You are probably right and I agree with you, but I still think you should go." This dismissive response fails to provide support, education, or empathy.
D. "It's not unusual to feel that way at first, but once you learn the routine, you'll be fine." Although this statement offers some support, it lacks the educational element needed to address the client’s concerns about the purpose of rehabilitation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Your heart condition is caused from stiffening of the walls of the ventricles." Stiffening of the ventricular walls describes restrictive cardiomyopathy, not DCM.
B. "Your heart condition is caused by excessive stretching of the ventricles." DCM involves excessive stretching and thinning of the ventricular walls, leading to impaired contraction.
C. "Your heart condition is caused when the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty." This describes arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia, not DCM.
D. "Your heart condition is caused by thickening of the ventricular walls and septum." This describes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, not DCM.