Nokea
After a patient with pancytopenia undergoes a bone marrow aspiration from the left posterior iliac crest, which action would be important for the nurse to take?
- A. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
- B. Have the patient lie on the left side for 1 hour.
- C. Apply a sterile 2-inch gauze dressing to the site.
- D. Use a half-inch sterile gauze to pack the wound.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a bone marrow aspiration, it is important to have the patient lie on the left side for 30 to 60 minutes to decrease the risk of bleeding. Elevating the head of the bed to 45 degrees does not directly address the risk of bleeding. Applying a sterile 2-inch gauze dressing to the site is important for wound care but does not specifically address post-procedural positioning. Using a half-inch sterile gauze to pack the wound is not necessary after a bone marrow aspiration.
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The nurse reviews the laboratory test results of a patient admitted with abdominal pain. Which information will be most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider?
- A. Monocytes 4%
- B. Hemoglobin 13.6 g/dL
- C. Platelet count 168,000/μL
- D. White blood cell (WBC) count 15,500/μL
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A low percentage of monocytes can indicate a viral infection. This is crucial information to communicate as it suggests a specific type of infection that may require targeted treatment. Choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to an infectious process and are within normal ranges, so they are not as urgent to communicate to the healthcare provider in this context.
Which collaborative problem will the nurse include in a care plan for a patient admitted to the hospital with idiopathic aplastic anemia?
- A. Potential complication: seizures
- B. Potential complication: infection
- C. Potential complication: neurogenic shock
- D. Potential complication: pulmonary edema
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potential complication: infection. Patients with idiopathic aplastic anemia have pancytopenia, which puts them at a high risk for infections due to decreased production of all blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Infection is a significant concern in these patients. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because seizures, neurogenic shock, and pulmonary edema are not typically associated with idiopathic aplastic anemia. While seizures can occur in some conditions that affect the brain, neurogenic shock is related to spinal cord injury, and pulmonary edema is more commonly seen in conditions like heart failure.
A 62-year-old man with chronic anemia is experiencing increased fatigue and occasional palpitations at rest. The nurse would expect the patient's laboratory test findings to include
- A. an RBC count of 4,500,000/μL.
- B. a hematocrit (Hct) value of 38%.
- C. normal red blood cell (RBC) indices.
- D. a hemoglobin (Hgb) of 8.6 g/dL.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. In chronic anemia, the hematocrit (Hct) value is a crucial indicator of the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. A hematocrit value of 38% indicates a lower than normal level of red blood cells, which aligns with the patient's symptoms of fatigue and palpitations. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because a low RBC count, normal RBC indices, and a hemoglobin level of 8.6 g/dL do not specifically address the decreased red blood cell mass associated with chronic anemia.
An appropriate nursing intervention for a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma whose platelet count drops to 18,000/µL during chemotherapy is to
- A. check all stools for occult blood
- B. encourage fluids to 3000 mL/day
- C. provide oral hygiene every 2 hours
- D. check the temperature every 4 hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check all stools for occult blood. With a platelet count of 18,000/µL, the patient is at a high risk of spontaneous bleeding. Checking stools for occult blood can help detect any internal bleeding early. Encouraging fluids and providing oral hygiene are important interventions in general, but in this case, monitoring for bleeding takes precedence. Checking the temperature every 4 hours is not directly related to the patient's current condition and platelet count.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is being discharged after an emergency splenectomy following a motor vehicle crash. Which instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Check frequently for swollen lymph nodes.
- B. Watch for excessive bleeding or bruising.
- C. Take iron supplements to prevent anemia.
- D. Wash hands regularly and avoid individuals who are ill.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Wash hands regularly and avoid individuals who are ill.' After a splenectomy, the patient is at an increased risk of infection, particularly from gram-positive bacteria. Proper hand hygiene and avoiding contact with sick individuals are crucial to prevent infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because checking for swollen lymph nodes, watching for excessive bleeding or bruising, and taking iron supplements are not specifically related to the increased infection risk post-splenectomy.