A nurse on a telemetry unit is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who has atrial fibrillation and is taking warfarin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?
Hemoglobin (Hgb) : 16 g/dL
Prothrombin Time (PT) : 45 seconds
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) : 36 seconds
Platelets : 190,000/mm
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason : A hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 16 g/dL is within the normal range for adults, which typically falls between 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for men and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for women. Therefore, this value does not warrant reporting to the provider as it does not indicate an immediate concern.
Choice B reason : A prothrombin time (PT) of 45 seconds is significantly higher than the normal range of 11 to 13.5 seconds for individuals not on anticoagulation therapy. For patients on warfarin, the target PT is usually 1.5 to 2 times the normal value, depending on the indication for therapy. However, a PT of 45 seconds suggests a high risk of bleeding and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice C reason : The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 36 seconds is within the normal range of approximately 21 to 35 seconds⁸. This result indicates that the blood's intrinsic clotting pathway is functioning within expected parameters and does not need to be reported.
Choice D reason : A platelet count of 190,000/mm is within the normal range, which is typically 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mm. This value is not concerning and does not need to be reported to the provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Assisting the client into a standing position is part of the process for checking orthostatic hypotension, but it is not the first action to take. The initial measurement should be taken while the client is supine to establish a baseline blood pressure before any position changes.
Choice B reason : Determining the client's blood pressure 1 minute after each position change is important for diagnosing orthostatic hypotension, but it follows after the initial supine measurement. This step is to observe changes in blood pressure that may indicate orthostatic hypotension.
Choice C reason : Placing the client in a sitting position is another step in the process of checking for orthostatic hypotension. However, it is not the first action. The nurse should first measure the blood pressure in the supine position, then sitting, and finally standing.
Choice D reason : This is the correct first action. Checking the client's blood pressure in a supine position provides a baseline measurement. After this, the nurse can compare the blood pressure readings after the client sits and stands to identify any significant drops that would indicate orthostatic hypotension.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A barrel chest is typically not associated with mitral valve stenosis. It is more commonly seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to hyperinflation of the lungs. Mitral valve stenosis affects the heart and not the lung structure.
Choice B reason: Clubbing of the fingers is a sign that can be associated with chronic hypoxia and certain types of congenital heart disease. While it can be seen in some heart conditions, it is not a specific finding for mitral valve stenosis.
Choice C reason: A heart murmur, specifically a diastolic murmur, is a classic finding in mitral valve stenosis. As the stenotic mitral valve obstructs blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, a pressure gradient is created, which produces a murmur that can be heard upon auscultation.
Choice D reason: Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not a direct finding associated with mitral valve stenosis. Mitral valve stenosis may lead to arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation due to atrial enlargement, but bradycardia is not typically induced by this condition.
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