The nurse is administering SUBO enoxaparin to a client following knee replacement surgery to prevent a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory result requires immediate action by the nurse?

Reference Range:

Hematocrit [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)] Platelets [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 (150 to 400 x 109/L]] Creatinine [0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL (44 to 97 pmol/L)]

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) [10 to 20 mg/dL (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L)]

Platelet count of 100,000/mm3 (100 x 10

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL (7.) mmol/L).

Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 μmol/L).

Hematocrit 45% (0.45 volume fraction).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Platelet count of 100,000/mm³ (100 x 10^9/L): Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can be a serious adverse effect of anticoagulant therapy. A platelet count of 100,000/mm³ is below the normal range (150,000 to 400,000/mm³) and indicates potential thrombocytopenia, which could increase the risk of bleeding and may warrant immediate action.

B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L): This BUN level is at the upper limit of normal but does not typically require immediate action unless there are other symptoms or significant changes in kidney function.

C. Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 μmol/L): This value is within the normal range for serum creatinine and does not indicate an immediate concern related to enoxaparin.

D. Hematocrit 45% (0.45 volume fraction): This hematocrit level is within the normal range and does not typically require immediate action.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Fingerstick glucose: While important in managing diabetes or hypoglycemia, it is not directly related to evaluating the effectiveness of lactulose in treating hepatic encephalopathy.
B. Stool color and character: Lactulose acts as a laxative, and its effectiveness can affect stool characteristics. However, stool color and character are less direct indicators of therapeutic response compared to serum ammonia levels.
C. Serum hepatic enzymes: While liver enzyme levels can provide information about liver function, they do not directly measure the effectiveness of lactulose in managing hepatic encephalopathy. Serum ammonia levels are more specific for this purpose.
D. Serum electrolytes and ammonia: Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing blood ammonia levels. Monitoring serum ammonia levels provides direct feedback on the effectiveness of the medication in treating hepatic encephalopathy. Additionally, serum electrolytes should be monitored because lactulose can lead to electrolyte imbalances due to its laxative effect.

A. Hematocrit 42% (0.42 volume fraction). B. Positive guaiac of stool. C. Gastric pH 2. D. Hemoglobin 13 g/dl. (8.07 mmol/l)

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Hematocrit 42% (0.42 volume fraction): This value is within the normal range for hematocrit (42% to 52%). Therefore, it does not indicate an immediate concern.
B. Positive guaiac of stool: A positive guaiac test for occult blood in the stool indicates gastrointestinal bleeding. Given the client's history of self-treating with ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID) and his symptoms of fatigue and dizziness, this finding suggests possible gastrointestinal bleeding due to NSAID-induced ulcers or bleeding. This requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
C. Gastric pH 2: While the gastric pH is on the acidic side, it is within the normal range for gastric acid (1.5 to 3.5). This finding does not necessarily indicate an acute problem by itself.
D. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL (8.07 mmol/L): Although this hemoglobin level is slightly below the normal range for males (14 to 18 g/dL), it is not as critical as a positive guaiac test for stool blood. It might be worth monitoring, but it is not as urgent as addressing potential gastrointestinal bleeding.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which assessment provides the nurse with the best information to evaluate the client's therapeutic response to the medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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