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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : Setting a goal body weight within 25% of the ideal body weight can be misleading. The ideal body weight should be determined based on body mass index (BMI), considering the individual's height and weight. A BMI of 18.5 to 24.9 is considered normal.
Choice B reason : This is a general guideline for alcohol consumption, but for individuals with hypertension, it is often recommended to limit alcohol intake even further to help manage blood pressure
Choice C reason : This is a key recommendation for managing hypertension. Reducing sodium intake helps lower blood pressure and is a widely accepted guideline
Choice D reason : Monitoring potassium levels is crucial when taking thiazide diuretics because these medications can decrease potassium levels in the blood, leading to hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Morphine is an opioid analgesic used to relieve severe pain and can be administered to patients with myocardial infarction to alleviate chest pain and anxiety. However, it is not the first medication given as it does not address the underlying cause of the myocardial infarction, which is the formation of a blood clot in the coronary arteries.
Choice B reason : Nitroglycerin is a nitrate that helps to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. It can be used to relieve chest pain in myocardial infarction, but similar to morphine, it is not the initial medication of choice. The priority is to prevent further blood clotting.
Choice C reason : Administered as soon as possible to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce clot progression.
Choice D reason : When a myocardial infarction (MI) is suspected, the priority is to address tissue hypoxia and ensure adequate oxygenation to minimize myocardial damage. Administering oxygen helps increase oxygen availability to the ischemic heart tissue, reducing further damage.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.