Which assessment finding indicates that the patient is at high risk for development of pulmonary embolism?
The patient’s last bowel movement was before surgery, 4 days ago.
The patient has refused enoxaparin injections after surgery.
The patient’s platelet count was 45,000/mm^3 this morning.
The patient required transfusion of two units of packed red blood cells.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
A patient's last bowel movement being 4 days ago does not directly increase their risk of pulmonary embolism (PE). While constipation can be a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to PE, it is not a significant risk factor on its own.
It's important to assess for other risk factors for DVT, such as immobility, recent surgery, or a history of blood clots, in conjunction with constipation.
Choice C rationale:
A platelet count of 45,000/mm^3 is low (thrombocytopenia), but it does not directly increase the risk of PE.
In fact, a low platelet count can sometimes hinder clot formation. However, it's important to monitor patients with thrombocytopenia for bleeding risks, as they may be more prone to bleeding complications.
Choice D rationale:
While receiving a transfusion of two units of packed red blood cells can increase blood viscosity, which could theoretically slightly increase the risk of PE, it is not a major risk factor.
Patients who receive transfusions are often already at an elevated risk of PE due to other underlying conditions or surgeries. It's essential to assess for other risk factors in these patients.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Heart rate: During a stress response, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to a release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones increase heart rate, preparing the body for a "fight or flight" response. A heart rate of 132 beats per minute is significantly elevated compared to a normal resting heart rate of 60-100 beats per minute, suggesting a stress response.
Choice C rationale:
Pupil dilation: Pupil dilation is another physiological change associated with the activation of the sympathetic nervous system during stress. The dilation allows more light to enter the eyes, enhancing visual acuity and awareness of surroundings, which can be helpful in responding to potential threats.
Choice E rationale:
Difficulty sleeping: Stress can negatively impact sleep in several ways. It can cause racing thoughts, anxiety, and physical tension, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Sleep disturbances are a common symptom of stress and can further exacerbate its effects.
Rationale for incorrect choices:
Choice A: Blood glucose level can be affected by stress, but a low blood glucose level of 36 mg/dL is more likely to be due to other causes such as hypoglycemia or insulin therapy. It's not a direct indicator of a stress response.
Choice D: Blood pressure can increase during stress, but a blood pressure of 104/56 mmHg is within the normal range and does not necessarily indicate a stress response.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Incorrect dosage form: Metformin is typically administered orally as a tablet or liquid suspension, not as a powder for reconstitution (PO).
Missing route of administration: The medication order does not specify the route of administration, such as oral (PO), intravenous (IV), or intramuscular (IM).
Potential for medication errors: The lack of clarity in the medication order could lead to errors in administration, such as giving the wrong dose or administering the medication by the wrong route.
Choice B rationale:
Incorrect dosage unit: Methotrexate is typically administered in milligrams (mg), not grams (g).
Potential for overdose: The order for 15.0 g of methotrexate is a very high dose that could lead to serious adverse effects, including toxicity and death.
Choice C rationale:
Correctly written: The medication order specifies the drug name (meropenem), the dose (1.0 g), the dosage form (IV), and the route of administration (IV).
Appropriate dosage range: The dose of 1.0 g of meropenem is within the typical dosage range for this antibiotic.
Clear and concise: The medication order is clear, concise, and easy to understand, which helps to reduce the risk of medication errors.
Choice D rationale:
Incorrect: While choices A and B are both incorrect, choice C is a correctly written medication order.
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