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: A barrel chest is typically not associated with mitral valve stenosis. It is more commonly seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to hyperinflation of the lungs. Mitral valve stenosis affects the heart and not the lung structure.
Choice B reason: Clubbing of the fingers is a sign that can be associated with chronic hypoxia and certain types of congenital heart disease. While it can be seen in some heart conditions, it is not a specific finding for mitral valve stenosis.
Choice C reason: A heart murmur, specifically a diastolic murmur, is a classic finding in mitral valve stenosis. As the stenotic mitral valve obstructs blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, a pressure gradient is created, which produces a murmur that can be heard upon auscultation.
Choice D reason: Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not a direct finding associated with mitral valve stenosis. Mitral valve stenosis may lead to arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation due to atrial enlargement, but bradycardia is not typically induced by this condition.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason : A low sodium diet is often prescribed for patients with heart conditions to help manage blood pressure and fluid retention. It is not typically something that would need to be questioned in the context of recent pacemaker surgery.
Choice B reason : Checking serum cardiac enzyme levels is a common practice after heart surgery to monitor for any signs of damage to the heart muscle. This would not typically be questioned unless there were specific contraindications for the patient.
Choice C reason : An MRI of the chest should be questioned because MRI machines use strong magnetic fields that can interfere with the functioning of a pacemaker. Unless the pacemaker is specifically labeled as MRI-safe, this type of imaging could be dangerous for the patient.
Choice D reason : Physical therapy is a standard part of recovery after many types of surgery, including pacemaker insertion, to help the patient regain strength and mobility. It would not typically be questioned unless the patient had specific restrictions.
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