A nurse is preparing to administer a transfusion of pooled platelets to a client with severe thrombocytopenia. What is the appropriate time frame for administering this transfusion?
Within 30 hr/unit
Within 2 hr/unit
Within 30 to 60 min/unit
Within 4 hr/unit
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Platelets are highly perishable and cannot be safely stored or administered over such an extended period. Administering platelets after many hours increases the risk of bacterial contamination and reduced efficacy.
B. While faster administration is generally better, platelets are typically infused more quickly than red blood cells, but 2 hours per unit is slower than recommended for pooled platelets. Delays can reduce platelet viability and therapeutic benefit.
C. Platelets are most effective when transfused quickly after preparation to maintain function and reduce the risk of bacterial growth. The recommended administration time for pooled platelets is 30–60 minutes per unit. Rapid infusion ensures prompt hemostatic effect, which is critical in clients with severe thrombocytopenia.
D. This timeframe is acceptable for red blood cell transfusions, but platelets are much more sensitive to storage time and should not exceed 4 hours once the unit is issued. Delays compromise platelet function and patient safety.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can limit a patient’s ability to perform ADLs due to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced grip strength. Providing assistive devices such as adaptive utensils, dressing aids, or jar openers allows the patient to maintain independence, safety, and functional ability, which is the nurse’s priority.
B. While range of motion exercises are important for long-term joint mobility and preventing contractures, they are not the immediate intervention to help the patient perform ADLs safely and independently. Exercise can be introduced once basic functional needs are supported.
C. Pain management may be part of care, but over-the-counter medications may be insufficient or unsafe depending on the patient’s condition and medications. This does not directly address the functional limitation in performing ADLs.
D. Complete rest can lead to muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and decreased independence, which may worsen functional impairment. RA management balances rest and gentle activity, but avoiding all movement is not recommended.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Hyperparathyroidism causes elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, which lead to hypercalcemia. High calcium levels can slow smooth muscle activity in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in constipation. Other gastrointestinal symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, all related to calcium imbalance.
B. While hypercalcemia can cause nonspecific symptoms like fatigue or mild cognitive changes, severe headaches are not a primary manifestation of hyperparathyroidism. Headaches may occur due to other causes but are not diagnostic for this condition.
C. Hyperparathyroidism typically slows GI motility rather than increasing it. Diarrhea is not associated with hypercalcemia; in fact, constipation is more common.
D. Hyperparathyroidism does not directly cause weight gain. Some patients may experience loss of appetite or fatigue due to hypercalcemia, but weight gain is not a characteristic symptom.
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