The nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a patient with thrombocytopenia associated with ITP. Which result would concern the nurse the most?
Red blood cells (RBCs) 5.0 million/mm3 (F 4.2-5.4; M 4.7-6.1)
Hemoglobin 14.5 g/100 mL (F 12-16: M 14-18)
Platelets 50,000/mm3 (150.000-400,000)
White blood cells (WBCs) 7,400/mm3 (5,000-10,000)
The Correct Answer is C
A. Red blood cells (RBCs) 5.0 million/mm³ (F 4.2–5.4; M 4.7–6.1): This RBC count is within normal limits and does not indicate a concern related to thrombocytopenia.
B. Hemoglobin 14.5 g/100 mL (F 12–16; M 14–18): Hemoglobin is within normal limits and is not an immediate concern for a patient with ITP, as thrombocytopenia primarily affects platelets, not hemoglobin levels.
C. Platelets 50,000/mm³ (150,000–400,000): A platelet count of 50,000/mm³ is significantly below the normal range and poses a risk for bleeding, which is the primary concern in ITP (immune thrombocytopenic purpura).
D. White blood cells (WBCs) 7,400/mm³ (5,000–10,000): The WBC count is normal and not directly related to thrombocytopenia in ITP, which specifically affects platelets.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Cryoprecipitates: Cryoprecipitates contain fibrinogen, factor VIII, von Willebrand factor, and factor XIII, and are typically used for patients with specific factor deficiencies, such as hemophilia or fibrinogen deficiency, rather than general clotting disorders.
B. Frozen Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBCs): PRBCs are primarily used to treat anemia and to increase oxygen-carrying capacity, not to correct clotting factor deficiencies.
C. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP): Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) contains clotting factors and is administered to patients with clotting disorders to help manage bleeding by replenishing these factors.
D. Platelets: Platelets are administered to patients with thrombocytopenia or platelet dysfunction, not to replace clotting factors as needed in general clotting disorders.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Explain the procedure to the patient’s family: While helpful, this is not as crucial as ensuring patient comfort and pain management during the procedure itself.
B. Observe the patient for bleeding: Observing for bleeding is important post-procedure rather than beforehand.
C. Drape the biopsy site: Draping is part of the procedure setup, but pain management is more critical for patient preparation.
D. Administer an analgesic to the patient: Administering an analgesic is essential to manage pain and discomfort during a bone marrow biopsy. This ensures the patient is as comfortable as possible.