The nurse is admitting a client to the emergency department who is bleeding from a gunshot wound to the right thigh. The nurse is unable to stop the bleeding. What diagnostic tests must be performed on this client? Select all that apply

Question

1. Platelet count
2. INR (international normalized ratio)
3. PTT (partial thromboplastin time)
4. WBC (white blood count)
5. BUN (blood urea nitrogen)

Answer 1

1. Platelet count
2. INR (international normalized ratio)
3. PTT (partial thromboplastin time)

Rationale:
Platelet count. The platelet count measures the circulating platelets in the blood; platelets facilitate the clotting process. INR (international normalized ratio). The international normalized ratio monitors anticoagulant therapy, and it is generally used to monitor coumadin therapy. PTT (partial thromboplastin time). Partial thromboplastin time is a screening test used to detect deficiencies in all clotting factors except VII and XIII and to detect platelet variations. WBC (white blood count). The white blood count (WBC) is part of a complete blood count and is used to determine the presence of an infection. BUN (blood urea nitrogen). The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measures the urea excreted by the kidneys and is used to detect a renal disorder or dehydration associated with increased BUN levels.