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.

Answer and Explanation

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).

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Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

A. Allowing the affected skin to be exposed to air can help in promoting healing and preventing further irritation. However, it's essential to ensure the environment is clean and that the area is protected from friction and contamination.
B. Ice packs should be avoided as they can cause further irritation to the radiated skin, and alcohol- based lotions can be drying and may exacerbate skin reactions.

C. Alcohol-based lotions can be drying and irritating to sensitive, radiation-treated skin. It's preferable to use gentle, non-alcohol-based moisturizers or barrier creams that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. These can help soothe the skin and prevent excessive dryness and irritation.
D. Aloe vera gel is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, which can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing of radiation-damaged skin. It is gentle and generally well-tolerated by most individuals.
E. Betadine (povidone-iodine) can be too harsh for radiation-damaged skin and may further irritate the area. Gentle cleansing with mild soap and water is recommended to keep the area clean and minimize the risk of infection.

A. To control the heart rate and reduce the oxygen demand of the heart. B. To prevent platelet aggregation in order to prevent thrombus formation. C. To reduce LDL cholesterol to prevent the formation of additional plaques. D. To relieve acute episodes of angina when they occur.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. This function is typically managed by medications such as beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers, which help reduce heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand. Rosuvastatin does not directly affect heart rate or myocardial oxygen demand.
B. Medications like aspirin or other antiplatelet agents are used to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombus formation. Rosuvastatin is not primarily indicated for this purpose.
C. This is the correct rationale for prescribing rosuvastatin in a client with chronic stable angina. High LDL cholesterol levels contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which narrows coronary arteries and leads to angina. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels, rosuvastatin helps slow down the progression of atherosclerosis and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events, including angina.
D. Acute episodes of angina are typically managed with short-acting nitrates or other medications that dilate coronary arteries to improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Rosuvastatin does not provide immediate relief of angina symptoms.

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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?

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