The nurse is performing the preoperative assessment for a client scheduled for a vertebroplasty of the cervical spine. Which finding should the nurse alert the healthcare provider of prior to the procedure?
Platelet count 40,000 x10/μL (40.000 x109/L).
White blood cells 9,000/μL (9x109/L)
Hematocrit 38% (0.38).
Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L).
The Correct Answer is A
A. Platelet count 40,000 x10/μL (40.000 x109/L):
This is the correct answer. A platelet count of 40,000 x10/μL is significantly below the normal range (usually around 150,000 to 450,000/μL). Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can increase the risk of bleeding during and after a surgical procedure. The healthcare provider should be alerted to assess the risk and determine the appropriate management.
B. White blood cells 9,000/μL (9x109/L):
The white blood cell count is within the normal range, and it is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.
C. Hematocrit 38% (0.38):
The hematocrit level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.
D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL (120 g/L):
The hemoglobin level is within the normal range and is not a significant concern for a vertebroplasty procedure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Drink at least 8 cups (1920 mL) of water per day:
This is the correct answer. Adequate hydration is important in the management of gout because it helps to flush out uric acid and prevent the formation of urate crystals. Increasing fluid intake, especially water, is a key component of gout management.
B. Eat high protein foods to achieve ideal body weight:
While maintaining a healthy weight is important in managing gout, the emphasis should be on a balanced diet that includes adequate hydration and avoidance of foods high in purines, which can contribute to increased uric acid levels.
C. Encourage active range of motion to limit stiffness:
Active range of motion exercises can be beneficial for joint health, but the primary emphasis in gout management is on dietary and pharmacological interventions.
D. Use an electric heating pad when pain is at its worse:
Applying heat may provide some relief, but it is not the primary intervention for gout. Cold compresses or ice may be more appropriate for acute gout attacks.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Discuss approaches to chronic pain control with the client:
This is the correct answer. Heberden's nodes are bony enlargements that can occur in osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints of the fingers. These nodes can be associated with pain. Discussing approaches to chronic pain control with the client is an appropriate nursing intervention to address the client's pain and improve quality of life.
B. Review the client's dietary intake of high-protein foods:
Dietary intake of high-protein foods is not directly related to the management of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. Pain control and joint protection measures are more relevant.
C. Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately:
While it's important to communicate significant findings to the healthcare provider, the presence of Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease may not require immediate notification unless there are other concerning symptoms or complications.
D. Assess the client's radial pulses and capillary refill time:
Assessing radial pulses and capillary refill time is not directly related to managing Heberden's nodes in degenerative joint disease. These nodes are primarily a result of joint changes in osteoarthritis.

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