A nurse is caring for an adult client.

Exhibits

The nurse should determine the assessment findings are consistent with which of the following disease processes?

For each assessment finding, click to specify if the assessment finding is consistent with laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB), epiglottitis, or foreign body aspiration. Each finding may support more than 1 disease process.

A. Supportive feedback: This term refers to positive, constructive input that aims to help a colleague improve their practice or decision-making. Nurse Taylor's behavior does not reflect supportive feedback; rather, it is negative and undermining, contributing to a hostile work environment.
B. Lateral violence: This term describes aggressive or bullying behavior exhibited by colleagues at the same hierarchical level. Nurse Taylor's sarcastic remarks and belittling comments toward Nurse Jordan are clear examples of lateral violence, as they create a toxic atmosphere and negatively impact team dynamics. This behavior can lead to increased stress and decreased morale among team members.
C. Workplace violence: While Nurse Taylor's behavior can be considered a form of workplace violence in a broader sense, it is more specifically classified as lateral violence. Workplace violence generally encompasses physical threats or harm, while lateral violence focuses on verbal and emotional abuse among coworkers.
D. Constructive criticism: Constructive criticism involves providing feedback aimed at improving performance while maintaining respect and professionalism. Nurse Taylor's sarcastic remarks do not meet this definition, as they are not aimed at helping Nurse Jordan but rather serve to belittle and undermine her. Therefore, this behavior is not constructive and instead falls into the category of lateral violence.

A. Client develops ecchymosis at the venipuncture site. Minor bruising at venipuncture sites is a common and expected side effect of heparin therapy due to its anticoagulant effect. While the nurse should monitor for increased bruising, isolated ecchymosis at an IV site does not necessarily indicate excessive anticoagulation or require immediate provider notification.
B. PTT 70 seconds (control 25-40). Heparin therapy is adjusted based on the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The therapeutic range is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value, which in this case would be approximately 60-100 seconds. A PTT of 70 seconds is within the therapeutic range, so it does not require urgent intervention.
C. Client develops hematuria. Hematuria is a sign of potential excessive anticoagulation or internal bleeding, which can be a serious complication of heparin therapy. This finding suggests that the client's coagulation status may need immediate reassessment, and the heparin infusion may require adjustment or reversal with protamine sulfate if necessary. The healthcare provider should be notified promptly.
D. Order for Coumadin 2.5 mg to begin today. It is common practice to start warfarin (Coumadin) while a client is on heparin therapy because warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels. Heparin is typically continued until the INR reaches a therapeutic range. Therefore, this order does not require provider notification.