Why is it important for the nurse to collect information from the patient about the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)?

A. Prayer: Prayer and meditation are practices that focus on the mind-body connection and can be used for relaxation, stress reduction, and promoting inner peace. These practices are often included in CAM approaches.

B. Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall well-being, making it a popular CAM therapy.

C. Massage: Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to promote relaxation, pain relief, and improved circulation. It's a widely used CAM therapy.

D. Meditation: Meditation involves focusing your attention and quieting the mind. It can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being, aligning with CAM principles.

E. Ointments with a steroid base: Steroid creams are medications typically prescribed by doctors for specific skin conditions. While some natural remedies might be used topically in CAM, ointments with a steroid base wouldn't be considered a CAM therapy itself.

A. Platelets 74,000/mm: A platelet count of 74,000/mm³ is significantly lower than the normal range (typically 150,000 to 450,000/mm³). This could indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious adverse effect of heparin therapy where the immune system forms antibodies against heparin bound to platelet factor 4, leading to a decrease in platelets and increased risk of thrombosis. This is a critical finding and should be reported immediately to the provider for further evaluation and potential adjustment of the treatment plan.

B. White blood cell count 8,000/mm³: This is within the normal range (typically 4,000 to 11,000/mm³) and does not indicate an immediate problem related to heparin therapy or pulmonary embolism management.

C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 55 seconds: While slightly elevated, this PTT is within the therapeutic range for a patient receiving IV heparin (typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal control value, or about 45 to 70 seconds). This indicates that the heparin is having the desired anticoagulant effect.

D. Hematocrit 45%: This is within the normal range for adults (typically 38-50% for men and 35-45% for women) and does not indicate an immediate concern related to heparin therapy or pulmonary embolism.