The nurse is performing the preoperative assessment for a client scheduled for a vertebroplasty of the cervical spine. Which finding should the nurse alert the healthcare provider of prior to the procedure?
Platelet count 40,000 x10/μL (40.000 x109/L).
White blood cells 9,000/μL (9x109/L)
Hematocrit 38% (0.38).
Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L).
The Correct Answer is A
A. Platelet count 40,000 x10/μL (40.000 x109/L):
This is the correct answer. A platelet count of 40,000 x10/μL is significantly below the normal range (usually around 150,000 to 450,000/μL). Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can increase the risk of bleeding during and after a surgical procedure. The healthcare provider should be alerted to assess the risk and determine the appropriate management.
B. White blood cells 9,000/μL (9x109/L):
The white blood cell count is within the normal range, and it is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.
C. Hematocrit 38% (0.38):
The hematocrit level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.
D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L):
The hemoglobin level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Irrigating the catheter manually:
Manually irrigating the catheter without an order may disrupt the clotting process and increase the risk of bleeding. It is not a routine nursing intervention post-TURP without specific orders.
B. Monitoring catheter drainage.
It is not within the nurse's scope of practice to manually irrigate the catheter without a healthcare provider's order, especially in the context of post-TURP care. The dark, pink-tinged outflow with blood clots indicates some expected bleeding following the procedure. The nurse should closely monitor the catheter drainage for the amount, color, and presence of clots.
C. Discontinuing infusing solution:
Discontinuing the normal saline irrigation may lead to clot formation and obstruction, potentially worsening the situation. The continuous bladder irrigation is often used to prevent clot formation and maintain catheter patency post-TURP.
D. Decreasing the flow rate:
The flow rate is typically set by the healthcare provider to maintain catheter patency and prevent clot formation. Decreasing the flow rate without specific orders may not be appropriate in this situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Begin continuous observation for transient episodes of neurologic dysfunction:
While continuous observation is important, the priority is to notify the stroke team for immediate assessment and management.
B. Place an indwelling urinary catheter and measure strict intake and output:
Monitoring intake and output is an important aspect of nursing care, but it is not the immediate priority when the client is presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of a stroke.
C. Notify the stroke team to assist with acute assessment and management.
The client's symptoms, including an uneven smile with facial droop to the right side, weaker hand grasp strength on the right, and sudden, severe headache, are indicative of potential stroke symptoms. Quick notification of the stroke team is crucial to facilitate a rapid and comprehensive assessment. Time is a critical factor in the management of stroke, and prompt intervention can improve outcomes.
D. Raise the head of the bed to 30 degrees keeping head and neck in neutral alignment:
While positioning is important for maintaining physiological stability, it is not the immediate priority in the context of a potential stroke. Notifying the stroke team for rapid assessment and intervention takes precedence.
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