A mechanical prosthetic heart valve client is admitted with leukopenia and abdominal pain. Which diagnostic lab data would the nurse access first?
A) Complete blood count (CBC)
B) Prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (PT/INR)
C) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
D) Sodium (Na++) and potassium (K+) level
B
Feedback:
The nurse must first know that mechanical valves increase the risk for emboli formation requiring clients to be placed on anticoagulants. Leukopenia and abdominal pain are symptoms associated with anticoagulant use, such as seen in ASA overdose. PT and INR are tests that will determine the risk for bleeding. CBC should also be reviewed but not the first priority. BUN provides review of renal function and not significant. Na++ and K+ levels are significant for electrolyte balance but not a first priority.
You might also like to view...
The nurse uses a systematic method for collecting data on all body systems, including normal functioning and any noted changes. What is this method?
a. Nursing interview b. Review of systems c. Nursing assessment d. Health history
A nurse practitioner is using the PLISSIT model to guide a discussion of sexuality with an older patient in the geriatric clinic. Which of the following are congruent with the PLISSIT model? (Select all that apply.)
a. "What concerns or questions do you have about fulfilling your sexual needs?" b. "Let me tell you about the impact of your cardiac disease on sexual activity." c. "I have a few suggestions on lubricants that might make intercourse more com-fortable for you." d. "Most older adults are not comfortable talking about sexuality, but it is important to do so." e. "It is not unusual to have difficulty per-forming sexually as you age."
The nurse explains to a client that because of alterations in liver function caused by cirrhosis, the client is predisposed to postoperative fluid shifts and wound infection related to
a. elevated creatinine phosphokinase levels. b. elevated lactic dehydrogenase levels. c. low albumin levels. d. low blood urea nitrogen levels.
When assessing the patient with pulmonary edema, which pulmonary capillary wedge pressure does the nurse anticipate?
A) <10 mmHg B) 10-14 mmHg C) 14-18 mmHg D) > 18 mmHg