A client with a history of bleeding disorders presents to the emergency department with excessive bleeding from a minor cut. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to assess the client's clotting function?
Complete blood count (CBC)
Serum electrolytes
Prothrombin time (PT)
Blood glucose level
The Correct Answer is C
A) Incorrect. A complete blood count (CBC) provides information about the client's red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, but it does not directly assess clotting function.
B) Incorrect. Serum electrolytes help assess the body's fluid balance and various organ functions, but they do not specifically indicate clotting function.
C) Correct. Prothrombin time (PT) is a measure of the time it takes for the blood to clot, primarily assessing the function of the extrinsic pathway of coagulation. It is an essential test in evaluating clotting disorders.
D) Incorrect. Blood glucose level is not directly related to clotting function and is more indicative of a client's metabolic status.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Correct. In liver cirrhosis, the damaged liver may sequester platelets, leading to a decreased platelet count. However, an elevated platelet count (thrombocytosis) can occur as a compensatory response to decreased liver function and is a sign of an increased risk of hemorrhage due to poor clot formation.
B) Incorrect. Low prothrombin time (PT) indicates faster clotting and is not associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage.
C) Incorrect. Decreased ammonia levels are a positive finding in liver cirrhosis, as elevated ammonia levels are harmful to the brain.
D) Incorrect. Elevated liver enzymes are indicative of liver damage, but they do not directly impact the client's risk of hemorrhage.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Acute blood loss does not typically lead to a decreased platelet count. Platelet levels may remain within the normal range or slightly decrease due to hemodilution.
B) Correct. In acute blood loss, the concentration of red blood cells decreases, leading to hemoconcentration and elevated hemoglobin levels. This is the body's initial response to conserve oxygen-carrying capacity.
C) Incorrect. An increased white blood cell count is not a direct result of acute blood loss and may indicate other inflammatory or infectious processes.
D) Incorrect. Elevated liver enzymes are not a typical finding in acute blood loss. They are more indicative of liver injury or dysfunction.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
