(Select all that apply):
A nurse is providing care to a patient with thrombocytopenia.
Which nursing interventions are appropriate for this patient? Select all that apply.
Administer platelet transfusions for life-threatening hemorrhage.
Discontinue heparin immediately if signs of thrombosis are present.
Teach the patient to avoid NSAIDs, aspirin, and alcohol.
Administer corticosteroids, IVIG, anti-D antibody, or rituximab as prescribed.
Monitor the patient's response to treatment by checking the skin color and temperature.
Correct Answer : B,C,D
Choice A rationale:
Administer platelet transfusions for life-threatening hemorrhage.
Platelet transfusions are typically administered in cases of severe thrombocytopenia where the risk of life-threatening hemorrhage is high.
However, it is not appropriate to administer platelet transfusions routinely or without a specific indication.
Therefore, this choice is not applicable in all cases of thrombocytopenia.
Choice B rationale:
Discontinue heparin immediately if signs of thrombosis are present.
In patients with thrombocytopenia, the use of heparin can increase the risk of bleeding.
If signs of thrombosis (clot formation) occur while a patient is on heparin, it is crucial to discontinue the medication promptly to prevent further clot formation.
This is a necessary intervention in such cases.
Choice C rationale:
Teach the patient to avoid NSAIDs, aspirin, and alcohol.
Patients with thrombocytopenia have a reduced number of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.
NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), aspirin, and alcohol can further increase the risk of bleeding by interfering with platelet function or causing irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
Therefore, it is essential to educate patients to avoid these substances to minimize bleeding risks.
Choice D rationale:
Administer corticosteroids, IVIG, anti-D antibody, or rituximab as prescribed.
These treatments may be prescribed in specific cases of thrombocytopenia, depending on the underlying cause.
Corticosteroids can help reduce immune-mediated destruction of platelets, IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) can boost platelet levels, anti-D antibody is used in Rh-positive individuals with Rh-negative platelets, and rituximab may be prescribed for certain autoimmune causes of thrombocytopenia.
The administration of these medications is based on the patient's specific diagnosis and medical orders.
Choice E rationale:
Monitor the patient's response to treatment by checking the skin color and temperature.
While monitoring the patient's response to treatment is essential, checking skin color and temperature alone may not provide comprehensive information about thrombocytopenia management.
Monitoring platelet counts, signs of bleeding, and other relevant laboratory parameters would be more specific and valuable in assessing the effectiveness of treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Administer plasma exchange therapy Administering plasma exchange therapy may be indicated in some cases of thrombocytopenia, but it is not the initial intervention when a client presents with petechiae, pallor, and weakness.
The primary concern in this situation is addressing active bleeding, which is best managed by applying pressure to bleeding sites and elevating the affected area.
Choice C rationale:
Monitor renal function and fluid balance While monitoring renal function and fluid balance is important in the overall care of a client with thrombocytopenia, it is not the immediate intervention when the client presents with symptoms of bleeding and weakness.
The priority is to stop the bleeding by applying pressure and elevating the affected area.
Choice D rationale:
Prepare the client for immunosuppressant therapy Immunosuppressant therapy may be considered as a treatment option for certain types of thrombocytopenia, but it is not the initial intervention when the client has active bleeding and weakness.
The immediate focus should be on bleeding control and symptom management.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Administer platelet transfusion." Rationale: This is an appropriate intervention for a patient with thrombocytopenia, especially if they are experiencing severe bleeding or have a very low platelet count.
Platelet transfusion can help increase the platelet count and prevent or stop bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
"Encourage high-intensity physical activity." Rationale: This intervention is not appropriate for a patient with thrombocytopenia.
High-intensity physical activity can increase the risk of bleeding in these patients due to the low platelet count.
Choice C rationale:
"Monitor for signs of bleeding." Rationale: This is an essential intervention for a patient with thrombocytopenia.
Monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as petechiae, ecchymosis, or mucosal bleeding, allows for early detection and intervention.
Choice D rationale:
"Administer heparin therapy." Rationale: This intervention is not appropriate for a patient with thrombocytopenia, especially if the thrombocytopenia is immune-mediated, as heparin can exacerbate the condition.
Choice E rationale:
"Educate the patient on infection prevention." Rationale: This is an appropriate intervention for a patient with thrombocytopenia.
Patients with low platelet counts are at increased risk of infection, so education on infection prevention measures, such as hand hygiene and avoiding sick individuals, is essential.
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