A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse recognize as the most concerning for a client with this condition?
Petechiae on the oral mucosa.
Hemoglobin of 14 g/dL.
Bleeding of the gums after oral care.
Pain and swelling in one leg.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes, caused by bleeding under the skin. While petechiae can indicate bleeding, they are not specific to HIT and can occur due to various reasons, including low platelet count or coagulation disorders. They do not necessarily indicate thrombotic complications associated with HIT.
B. This hemoglobin level is within the normal range for adults and does not directly correlate with HIT. However, it is important to monitor hemoglobin levels in patients with HIT due to the risk of bleeding and thrombosis.
C. Bleeding gums can occur due to various reasons, including gum disease or thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). In HIT, the concern is not just bleeding but also the paradoxical risk of thrombosis despite low platelet counts. Bleeding from mucosal surfaces can indicate underlying thrombocytopenia but does not specifically highlight the thrombotic risk of HIT.
D. This symptom is concerning for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a thrombotic complication associated with HIT. HIT predisposes patients to thrombosis due to the formation of antibodies against
platelet factor 4/heparin complexes, leading to platelet activation and clot formation. DVT is a serious complication that requires immediate intervention to prevent pulmonary embolism (PE).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Headache is a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to its vasodilatory effects, especially in the head. Most headaches associated with nitroglycerin are mild and transient. Patients are generally advised to continue using the medication as prescribed unless the headache is severe or persistent.
B. Nitroglycerin tablets are used for the immediate relief of angina symptoms. If the first tablet does not adequately relieve chest pain within 5 minutes, the patient can take a second tablet. If the pain persists after the second tablet, emergency medical attention should be sought. However, it's important to note that the maximum number of tablets that can be taken within a short period should be specified by the healthcare provider, typically 2 or 3 tablets in 15 to 30 minutes.
C. Nitroglycerin can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure upon standing up. This can lead to dizziness or fainting. Therefore, patients should be advised to stand up slowly after taking nitroglycerin to minimize the risk of falls or injury.
D. Nitroglycerin tablets are sensitive to light, heat, and moisture, which can reduce their effectiveness over time. Therefore, it's recommended to replace nitroglycerin tablets every 3 to 6 months to ensure potency and effectiveness.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Whole milk contains saturated fats, which can contribute to overall cardiovascular health risks. However, it's not directly linked to causing PACs. While reducing saturated fat intake is generally beneficial for heart health, whole milk alone might not significantly exacerbate PACs compared to other dietary factors.
B. Black tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can potentially increase heart rate and trigger PACs or other irregular heart rhythms in sensitive individuals. Therefore, black tea is a consideration for clients with PACs as it can be a potential trigger.
C. Bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to cardiovascular risks and overall heart health concerns. High-fat foods like bacon can indirectly influence heart rhythms, but there's not a direct correlation between consuming bacon and PACs.
D. Eggs and cheese are high in saturated fats and cholesterol, which can impact cardiovascular health. While not directly linked to causing PACs, the high-fat content of scrambled eggs with cheese may contribute to overall heart health concerns.
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