A nurse is caring for a client who has hemophilia A and hemarthrosis of the left knee. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Administer low dose aspirin.
Prepare for autologous blood transfusion.
Obtain a stool specimen.
Apply ice to the knee.
None
None
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is: D. Apply heat to the knee.
Choice A reason:
Administering low dose aspirin is not appropriate for clients with hemophilia A because aspirin can inhibit platelet function and increase the risk of bleeding. Hemophilia A patients already have a deficiency in clotting factor VIII, and adding aspirin can exacerbate bleeding tendencies.
Choice B reason:
Preparing for an autologous blood transfusion is not a standard treatment for hemarthrosis in hemophilia A. The primary treatment involves factor replacement therapy to address the underlying clotting deficiency. Blood transfusions are generally reserved for severe cases of anemia or significant blood loss.
Choice C reason:
Obtaining a stool specimen is unnecessary because the client’s symptoms are localized to the knee rather than the gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is used to detect GI bleeding and does not address the acute hemarthrosis described. Focusing on a stool sample would delay the essential care needed to stop the joint hemorrhage. Priority must be placed on interventions that directly manage the active bleeding site.
Choice D reason:
Applying ice to the knee triggers vasoconstriction, which directly limits internal bleeding into the joint space. This action follows the RICE protocol to reduce inflammation and provide immediate pain relief. By cooling the area, the nurse helps stabilize the injury and prevents further swelling. It is a vital step in minimizing long-term damage to the joint's synovial tissue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Platelets 190,000/mm3 is within the normal range of 150,000 to 450,000/mm3. This result does not indicate a bleeding risk or a need to adjust the warfarin dose.
Choice B reason: Hct 44% is within the normal range of 37% to 47% for females and 42% to 52% for males. This result does not indicate anemia or polycythemia, which could affect the warfarin therapy.
Choice C reason: PT 45 seconds is above the normal range of 11 to 13.5 seconds. This result indicates that the blood is taking too long to clot, which increases the risk of bleeding. The nurse should notify the provider and expect a decrease in the warfarin dose.
Choice D reason: Hgb 16 g/dL is within the normal range of 12 to 16 g/dL for females and 14 to 18 g/dL for males. This result does not indicate anemia or polycythemia, which could affect the warfarin therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Suppressing respiratory effort is the correct purpose of pancuronium. Pancuronium is a neuromuscular blocking agent that paralyzes the skeletal muscles, including the respiratory muscles. This prevents the client from breathing spontaneously and allows the mechanical ventilator to control the ventilation. Pancuronium is used to improve oxygenation and prevent barotrauma in clients with ARDS, who have severe hypoxemia and stiff lungs.
Choice B reason: Decreasing chest wall compliance is not the correct purpose of pancuronium. Chest wall compliance is the measure of how easily the chest wall expands during inspiration. Decreasing chest wall compliance means increasing the resistance to lung expansion, which can worsen the ventilation and oxygenation in clients with ARDS. Pancuronium does not affect the chest wall compliance, but rather the muscle tone.
Choice C reason: Decreasing respiratory secretions is not the correct purpose of pancuronium. Respiratory secretions are the mucus and fluid that are produced by the respiratory tract to moisten and protect the airways. Decreasing respiratory secretions can cause dryness and irritation of the mucous membranes, which can increase the risk of infection and inflammation. Pancuronium does not affect the respiratory secretions, but rather the nerve impulses.
Choice D reason: Inducing sedation is not the correct purpose of pancuronium. Sedation is a state of reduced consciousness, awareness, or responsiveness. Inducing sedation can help to reduce anxiety, pain, and agitation in clients who are mechanically ventilated. Pancuronium does not induce sedation, but rather paralysis. Pancuronium does not affect the central nervous system, but rather the peripheral nervous system. The nurse should administer a sedative agent, such as propofol or midazolam, along with pancuronium to ensure the client's comfort and safety.
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