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A patient who had a total hip replacement had an intraoperative hemorrhage 14 hours ago. Which laboratory test result would the nurse expect?
- A. Hematocrit of 46%
- B. Hemoglobin of 13.8 g/dL
- C. Elevated reticulocyte count
- D. Decreased white blood cell (WBC) count
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevated reticulocyte count. Hemorrhage leads to the release of reticulocytes (immature red blood cells) from the bone marrow into circulation as a compensatory mechanism to replenish lost red blood cells. This response helps in restoring the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Choices A and B, hematocrit of 46% and hemoglobin of 13.8 g/dL, may not reflect the immediate response to hemorrhage within 14 hours. Choice D, decreased white blood cell (WBC) count, is not directly related to the body's response to hemorrhage.
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The nurse assesses a patient who has numerous petechiae on both arms. Which question should the nurse ask the patient?
- A. Are you taking any oral contraceptives?
- B. Have you been prescribed antiseizure drugs?
- C. Do you take medication containing salicylates?
- D. How long have you been taking antihypertensive drugs?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do you take medication containing salicylates?' Petechiae are tiny, pinpoint, red or purple spots on the skin due to bleeding under the skin. Salicylates, which are found in medications like aspirin, interfere with platelet function and can lead to petechiae and ecchymoses. Asking about salicylate-containing medications is crucial in this situation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not directly related to the development of petechiae.
A patient who has acute myelogenous leukemia develops an absolute neutrophil count of 850/µL while receiving outpatient chemotherapy. Which action by the outpatient clinic nurse is most appropriate?
- A. Discuss the need for hospital admission to treat the neutropenia
- B. Teach the patient to administer filgrastim (Neupogen) injections
- C. Plan to discontinue the chemotherapy until the neutropenia resolves
- D. Order a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter for the patient's home
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because filgrastim (Neupogen) is a medication used to stimulate the production of neutrophils. Teaching the patient to self-administer these injections can help increase the neutrophil count and reduce the risk of infection. Option A is incorrect as hospital admission may not be necessary if the patient can manage the condition at home. Option C is not ideal as discontinuing chemotherapy can impact the leukemia treatment. Option D is unrelated to managing neutropenia in this scenario.
The health care provider orders a liver and spleen scan for a patient who has been in a motor vehicle crash. Which action should the nurse take before this procedure?
- A. Check for any iodine allergy.
- B. Insert a large-bore IV catheter.
- C. Administer prescribed sedatives.
- D. Assist the patient to a flat position.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Before a liver and spleen scan, it is essential to assist the patient to a flat position. This position helps obtain clear images of the liver and spleen. Checking for iodine allergy (Choice A) is more relevant for procedures involving contrast dye, not a liver and spleen scan. Inserting a large-bore IV catheter (Choice B) may not be necessary for this specific procedure. Administering sedatives (Choice C) is not typically required for a liver and spleen scan, as the patient needs to remain still during the procedure.
Which patient statement to the nurse indicates a need for additional instruction about taking oral ferrous sulfate?
- A. I will call my health care provider if my stools turn black.
- B. I will take a stool softener if I feel constipated occasionally.
- C. I should take the iron with orange juice about an hour before eating.
- D. I should increase my fluid and fiber intake while I am taking iron tablets.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Which assessment finding should the nurse caring for a patient with thrombocytopenia communicate immediately to the healthcare provider?
- A. The platelet count is 52,000/µL
- B. The patient is difficult to arouse
- C. There are purpura on the oral mucosa
- D. There are large bruises on the patient's back
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Difficulty in arousing the patient may indicate a cerebral hemorrhage, which is life-threatening and requires immediate action. While a low platelet count (choice A) is concerning in thrombocytopenia, it does not require immediate communication unless accompanied by active bleeding or other critical symptoms. Purpura on the oral mucosa (choice C) and large bruises on the patient's back (choice D) are important findings in thrombocytopenia but do not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation like a possible cerebral hemorrhage.