A 55-year-old patient with thrombocytopenia is scheduled for a venipuncture procedure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to minimize the risk of bleeding?
Instruct the patient to elevate the arm above the heart immediately after the procedure.
Apply firm pressure to the site for at least 10 minutes after the procedure.
Avoid using a tourniquet during the procedure.
Use a larger gauge needle to ensure quicker blood flow.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A: Instruct the patient to elevate the arm above the heart immediately after the procedure
Elevating the arm above the heart can help reduce blood flow to the area, potentially minimizing bleeding. However, this method alone is not sufficient to ensure proper hemostasis, especially in patients with thrombocytopenia. Applying direct pressure to the puncture site is more effective in stopping bleeding and preventing hematoma formation.
Choice B: Apply firm pressure to the site for at least 10 minutes after the procedure
Applying firm pressure to the venipuncture site is crucial in patients with thrombocytopenia to ensure proper clotting and prevent bleeding. This method helps in forming a stable clot at the puncture site, reducing the risk of prolonged bleeding and hematoma formation. Given the patient’s low platelet count, maintaining pressure for an extended period is essential to achieve hemostasis.
Choice C: Avoid using a tourniquet during the procedure
While avoiding a tourniquet might seem beneficial to reduce pressure on the veins, it is not a standard practice to minimize bleeding risk in thrombocytopenic patients. Tourniquets are typically used to make veins more prominent for easier access during venipuncture. The key to minimizing bleeding is proper post-procedure care, such as applying firm pressure to the site.
Choice D: Use a larger gauge needle to ensure quicker blood flow
Using a larger gauge needle is not advisable for patients with thrombocytopenia. Larger needles can cause more trauma to the vein, increasing the risk of bleeding and hematoma formation. Instead, using the smallest gauge needle that can effectively draw blood is recommended to minimize vein damage.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Testing blood glucose levels every 6 hours during illness is crucial for managing type 1 diabetes. Illness can cause blood glucose levels to fluctuate unpredictably, and frequent monitoring helps in making timely adjustments to insulin doses and dietary intake. This practice helps prevent both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, ensuring better overall control of diabetes during periods of illness.
Choice B Reason:
Administering the usual daily dose of insulin is important even during illness. Skipping insulin doses can lead to dangerously high blood glucose levels and increase the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It is essential to continue taking insulin as prescribed and to consult with a healthcare provider if any adjustments are needed based on blood glucose readings.
Choice C Reason:
Limiting juices, soda, and gelatin is not typically recommended during illness for patients with type 1 diabetes. These items can be useful for maintaining hydration and providing quick sources of carbohydrates if the patient is unable to eat solid foods. Instead of limiting these items, it is more important to monitor carbohydrate intake and adjust insulin doses accordingly.
Choice D Reason:
Reporting a blood glucose level greater than 300 is critical for preventing complications. High blood glucose levels can indicate the onset of DKA, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Promptly reporting elevated blood glucose levels allows for timely intervention and management to prevent severe complications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity, which is a major contributor to insulin resistance. Regular physical activity helps to maintain a healthy weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Choice B Reason:
A triglyceride level of 100 mg/dL is within the normal range and is not considered a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Elevated triglyceride levels (above 150 mg/dL) are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but a level of 100 mg/dL does not indicate an increased risk.
Choice C Reason:
A recent viral infection is not a recognized risk factor for type 2 diabetes While certain viral infections can trigger autoimmune responses leading to type 1 diabetes, they are not linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, which is primarily influenced by lifestyle factors and genetics.
Choice D Reason:
A blood glucose level of 98 mg/dL is within the normal range for fasting blood glucose and does not indicate an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Prediabetes is diagnosed when fasting blood glucose levels are between 100 and 125 mg/dL, and diabetes is diagnosed at levels of 126 mg/dL or higher. Therefore, a blood glucose level of 98 mg/dL is not a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
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