A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is at risk for disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?
Platelets 156,000/mm³
Fibrinogen 85 mg/dL
PT 12 seconds
PTT 64 seconds
The Correct Answer is B
A. Platelets 156,000/mm³: This platelet count is within the normal range (normal range: 150,000 to 400,000/mm³). Although disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) can lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), the platelet count in this scenario is not indicative of DIC.
B. Fibrinogen 85 mg/dL: This is the correct answer. A decreased fibrinogen level is often seen in DIC. Fibrinogen is consumed in the formation of microclots, and a low level may indicate ongoing coagulation.
C. PT 12 seconds: The prothrombin time (PT) is within the normal range. In DIC, the PT may be prolonged due to the consumption of clotting factors, but in this case, the PT is normal.
D. PTT 64 seconds: The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is prolonged, which can be an indication of DIC. However, the more specific indicator in this scenario is the low fibrinogen level.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The pain persists with rest and organic nitrates: This statement is incorrect. Anginal pain typically improves with rest and can be relieved by the administration of organic nitrates.
B. The pain usually lasts longer than 20 min: This statement is incorrect. Anginal pain is often brief and lasts for a few minutes, typically less than 20 minutes.
C. Exertion and anxiety can trigger the pain: This is the correct answer. Anginal pain is often triggered by activities that increase the workload of the heart, such as exertion or emotional stress (anxiety). These triggers lead to an increased demand for oxygen by the heart muscle, which may exceed the compromised blood supply, resulting in angina.
D. The pain often radiates to the jaw or the back: This statement is correct. Anginal pain may radiate to the jaw, back, shoulder, arm, or neck. The radiation of pain is a characteristic feature of angina.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Administer enteric-coated acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is not typically used to address the symptoms described by the client, such as pain in the jaw, back, and shoulder, shortness of breath, and nausea. Moreover, an enteric-coated form of acetaminophen is not likely to address the acute symptoms.
B. Administer ibuprofen: Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and may not be appropriate for the reported symptoms, especially if they are indicative of a cardiac event.
C. Obtain an EKG: This is the correct answer. The client's symptoms, including pain in the jaw, back, and shoulder, shortness of breath, and nausea, are concerning for a possible cardiac event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a crucial diagnostic tool to assess for cardiac abnormalities and should be done promptly.
D. Maintain oxygen saturations greater than or equal to 92%: While maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is important in various clinical situations, the client's symptoms, especially when associated with potential cardiac issues, warrant an immediate EKG to assess for cardiac abnormalities.
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