Cardiovascular System Exam Questions and Answers Related

Review Cardiovascular System Exam Questions and Answers related questions and content

A patient has been receiving a heparin sodium IV for the last three days. The patient's most current platelet count is 65,000 × 103/uL; while the platelet count on admission was 350,000 × 103/uL. The cardiac-vascular nurse contacts the physician to:

  • A. report that the medication level is subtherapeutic.
  • B. report that the patient is exhibiting signs of an adverse reaction.
  • C. request an increase in the medication infusion rate.
  • D. request an order for platelet transfusion.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A significant drop in platelets suggests heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, an adverse reaction.