Peripheral Vascular Disease NCLEX Related

Review Peripheral Vascular Disease NCLEX related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy intravenously. Which assessment data would indicate to the nurse the client is developing heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)? Select all that apply.

  • A. The client has spontaneous bleeding from around the IV site.
  • B. The client complains of chest pain on inspiration and has become restless.
  • C. The client’s platelet count on admission was 420 (103) and now is 200 (103).
  • D. The client complains that the gums bleed when brushing the teeth.
  • E. The client has developed skin lesions at the IV site.
Correct Answer: A,C,D

Rationale: HIT causes thrombocytopenia and bleeding: IV site bleeding (A), platelet drop from 420 to 200 (C), and gum bleeding (D) are signs. Chest pain/restlessness (B) suggests PE, and skin lesions (E) are not typical.