Free Medical Surgical Certification Practice Questions Related

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A healthcare professional is caring for four clients on intravenous heparin therapy. Which lab value possibly indicates a serious side effect has occurred?

  • A. Hemoglobin: 14.2 g/dL
  • B. Platelet count: 82,000/µL
  • C. RBC count: 4.8 x 10^6/µL
  • D. WBC count: 8.7 x 10^3/µL
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Platelet count: 82,000/µL. A low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) is a serious side effect of heparin therapy, as it can lead to bleeding complications. Platelets are essential for normal blood clotting. Hemoglobin, RBC count, and WBC count are not directly affected by heparin therapy and do not indicate a serious side effect.