A nurse on a telemetry unit is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who has atrial fibrillation and is taking warfarin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

Hemoglobin (Hgb) : 16 g/dL

Prothrombin Time (PT) : 45 seconds

Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) : 36 seconds

Platelets : 190,000/mm

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason : A hemoglobin (Hgb) level of 16 g/dL is within the normal range for adults, which typically falls between 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for men and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for women. Therefore, this value does not warrant reporting to the provider as it does not indicate an immediate concern.

Choice B reason : A prothrombin time (PT) of 45 seconds is significantly higher than the normal range of 11 to 13.5 seconds for individuals not on anticoagulation therapy. For patients on warfarin, the target PT is usually 1.5 to 2 times the normal value, depending on the indication for therapy. However, a PT of 45 seconds suggests a high risk of bleeding and requires immediate medical attention.

Choice C reason : The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 36 seconds is within the normal range of approximately 21 to 35 seconds⁸. This result indicates that the blood's intrinsic clotting pathway is functioning within expected parameters and does not need to be reported.

Choice D reason : A platelet count of 190,000/mm is within the normal range, which is typically 150,000 to 450,000 platelets/mm. This value is not concerning and does not need to be reported to the provider.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason : Hepatomegaly, or the enlargement of the liver, is a common finding in right-sided heart failure. This condition occurs because the heart does not pump blood effectively, leading to congestion and increased pressure in the venous system, including the hepatic veins. As a result, the liver becomes engorged with blood, causing it to enlarge. The normal liver span in adults is about 10-12 cm in the midclavicular line, and any measurement above this can indicate hepatomegaly.

Choice B reason : Orthopnea, which is shortness of breath while lying flat, is more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, symptoms are more related to systemic congestion, such as swelling in the legs and abdomen, rather than pulmonary symptoms like orthopnea.

Choice C reason : Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can be a symptom of both left and right-sided heart failure. However, in the context of right-sided heart failure, dyspnea is usually due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and the increased pressure in the abdominal veins, which can compress the diaphragm and make breathing difficult.

Choice D reason : Frothy sputum is typically not a symptom of right-sided heart failure. It is more indicative of pulmonary edema, which is associated with left-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the primary issues are related to the systemic circulation and venous congestion.

A. Have the laboratory draw a blood sample for an erythrocyte sedimentation rate B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG C. Administer potassium gluconate 40 mEq orally D. Restrict fluid intake

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason : An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is not directly related to high serum potassium levels and would not be the immediate action in response to hyperkalemia.

Choice B reason : Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is a critical step when hyperkalemia is suspected because high potassium levels can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. An ECG can quickly reveal characteristic changes associated with hyperkalemia, allowing for prompt treatment.

Choice C reason : Administering potassium gluconate would be contraindicated in a patient with hyperkalemia, as it would further increase the serum potassium levels, potentially leading to severe complications.

Choice D reason : Restricting fluid intake is not a standard treatment for hyperkalemia. The management of hyperkalemia may include medications or procedures that promote the excretion of potassium or move potassium from the blood into the cells.

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A nurse on a telemetry unit is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who has atrial fibrillation and is taking warfarin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

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