A patient with a history of haemophilia A arrives in the emergency department complaining of a "funny feeling" in his elbow. The patient states that he thinks he is bleeding into the joint. Which response by the nurse is correct?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For a patient with a history of hemophilia A complaining of a "funny feeling" in the elbow, suspecting bleeding into the joint, the correct response by the nurse is to notify the physician immediately and expect an order for factor VIII. Hemophilia A is a genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in clotting factor VIII, leading to prolonged bleeding. In this case, immediate medical intervention in the form of factor VIII replacement therapy is crucial to control and manage the bleeding episode. Urgent treatment aims to prevent complications such as joint damage and to promote hemostasis in patients with hemophilia. Palpating the elbow, preparing for an x-ray, or applying heat are not the appropriate initial actions when managing a suspected bleeding episode in a patient with hemophilia.