HESI PN Exit Exam Related

Review HESI PN Exit Exam related questions and content

What is the most appropriate nursing action when a patient on anticoagulant therapy develops sudden, severe back pain?

  • A. Administer pain medication
  • B. Apply a cold compress to the back
  • C. Assess for signs of internal bleeding
  • D. Reposition the patient for comfort
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a patient on anticoagulant therapy experiences sudden, severe back pain, the priority nursing action is to assess for signs of internal bleeding. Severe back pain in this context could be indicative of internal bleeding, such as a retroperitoneal bleed, which is a critical condition requiring immediate attention. Administering pain medication or applying a cold compress may mask or delay the identification of a potentially life-threatening situation. Repositioning the patient for comfort is not the priority when internal bleeding needs to be ruled out.