Nokea
The nurse is describing normal RBC physiology to a patient who has a diagnosis of anemia. The nurse should explain that the RBCs consist primarily of which of the following?
- A. Plasminogen
- B. Hemoglobin
- C. Hematocrit
- D. Fibrin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Mature erythrocytes consist primarily of hemoglobin, which contains iron and makes up 95% of the cell mass. RBCs are not made of fibrin or plasminogen. Hematocrit is a measure of RBC volume in whole blood.
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A patient has come to the OB/GYN clinic due to recent heavy menstrual flow. Because of the patients consequent increase in RBC production, the nurse knows that the patient may need to increase her daily intake of what substance?
- A. Vitamin E
- B. Vitamin D
- C. Iron
- D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To replace blood loss, the rate of red cell production increases. Iron is incorporated into hemoglobin. Vitamins E and D and magnesium do not need to be increased when RBC production is increased.
A patients wound has begun to heal and the blood clot which formed is no longer necessary. When a blood clot is no longer needed, the fibrinogen and fibrin will be digested by which of the following?
- A. Plasminogen
- B. Thrombin
- C. Prothrombin
- D. Plasmin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The substance plasminogen is required to lyse (break down) the fibrin. Plasminogen, which is present in all body fluids, circulates with fibrinogen and is therefore incorporated into the fibrin clot as it forms. When the clot is no longer needed (e.g., after an injured blood vessel has healed), the plasminogen is activated to form plasmin. Plasmin digests the fibrinogen and fibrin. Prothrombin is converted to thrombin, which in turn catalyzes the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin so a clot can form.
Fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) has been ordered for a hospital patient. Prior to administration of this blood product, the nurse should prioritize what patient education?
- A. Infection risks associated with FFP administration
- B. Physiologic functions of plasma
- C. Signs and symptoms of a transfusion reaction
- D. Strategies for managing transfusion-associated anxiety
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients should be educated about signs and symptoms of transfusion reactions prior to administration of any blood product. In most cases, this is priority over education relating to infection. Anxiety may be an issue for some patients, but transfusion reactions are a possibility for all patients. Teaching about the functions of plasma is not likely a high priority.
A clients health history reveals daily consumption of two to three bottles of wine. The nurse should plan assessments and interventions in light of the patients increased risk for what hematologic disorder?
- A. Leukemia
- B. Anemia
- C. Thrombocytopenia
- D. Lymphoma
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Heavy alcohol use is associated with numerous health problems, including anemia. Leukemia and lymphoma are not associated with alcohol use; RBC levels are typically affected more than platelet levels.
A patient undergoing a hip replacement has autologous blood on standby if a transfusion is needed. What is the primary advantage of autologous transfusions?
- A. Safe transfusion for patients with a history of transfusion reactions
- B. Prevention of viral infections from another persons blood
- C. Avoidance of complications in patients with alloantibodies
- D. Prevention of alloimmunization
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary advantage of autologous transfusions is the prevention of viral infections from another persons blood. Other secondary advantages include safe transfusion for patients with a history of transfusion reactions, prevention of alloimmunization, and avoidance of complications in patients with alloantibodies.