Which assessment finding indicates that the patient is at high risk for development of pulmonary embolism?
The patient’s last bowel movement was before surgery, 4 days ago.
The patient has refused enoxaparin injections after surgery.
The patient’s platelet count was 45,000/mm^3 this morning.
The patient required transfusion of two units of packed red blood cells.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
A patient's last bowel movement being 4 days ago does not directly increase their risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). While constipation can be a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to PE, it is not a significant risk factor on its own.
It's important to assess for other risk factors for DVT, such as immobility, recent surgery, or a history of blood clots, in conjunction with constipation.
Choice C rationale:
A platelet count of 45,000/mm^3 is low (thrombocytopenia), but it does not directly increase the risk of PE.
In fact, a low platelet count can sometimes hinder clot formation. However, it's important to monitor patients with thrombocytopenia for bleeding risks, as they may be more prone to bleeding complications.
Choice D rationale:
While receiving a transfusion of two units of packed red blood cells can increase blood viscosity, which could theoretically slightly increase the risk of PE, it is not a major risk factor.
Patients who receive transfusions are often already at an elevated risk of PE due to other underlying conditions or surgeries. It's essential to assess for other risk factors in these patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
STAT orders are urgent and require immediate action. They are typically used for life-threatening situations or when a rapid response is needed to prevent serious harm. In this case, an EKG is important for patients admitted to the cardiac unit, but it is not necessarily an urgent procedure that requires immediate action in all cases.
STAT orders are often given verbally or over the phone, and they are typically written in all capital letters with the word "STAT" prominently displayed.
Examples of STAT orders include medications for cardiac arrest, intubation for respiratory distress, or emergency surgery for a ruptured appendix.
Choice B rationale:
PRN orders are "as needed" orders, meaning they are only carried out when a specific condition or symptom arises. They are not routinely implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting.
PRN orders allow for flexibility in treatment plans and can help to manage pain, nausea, anxiety, or other symptoms that may fluctuate over time.
Examples of PRN orders include pain medication, anti-nausea medication, or sedatives.
Choice C rationale:
One-time orders are administered only once and are not repeated. They are often used for procedures, diagnostic tests, or medications that are not required on an ongoing basis.
In this case, an EKG is typically a one-time order for patients outside of the cardiac unit, but it becomes a standing order for patients admitted to the cardiac unit due to the increased importance of cardiac monitoring in this setting.
Examples of one-time orders include a chest X-ray, a blood draw, or a dose of antibiotics.
Choice D rationale:
Standing orders are routine orders that are implemented for all patients in a particular unit or setting, unless otherwise specified. They are designed to provide consistent and standardized care, and they often reflect best practices or guidelines for a specific patient population.
Standing orders can help to streamline care processes, reduce the need for individual orders, and ensure that patients receive necessary treatments or interventions without delay.
In this case, the standing order for an EKG upon admission to the cardiac unit ensures that all patients receive this important cardiac assessment, even if the ordering provider does not specifically write an order for it.
Other examples of standing orders in a cardiac unit might include daily weights, regular vital sign checks, or administration of cardiac medications.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
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