Author Question: A nurse reviews the laboratory data for an older patient. The nurse would be most concerned about ... (Read 169 times)

jCorn1234 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse reviews the laboratory data for an older patient. The nurse would be most concerned about which finding?

a. Hematocrit of 35
b. Hemoglobin of 11.8 g/dL
c. Platelet count of 400,000/L
d. White blood cell (WBC) count of 2800/L

Question 2

The nurse assesses a patient who has numerous petechiae on both arms. Which question should the nurse ask the patient?

a. Do you take salicylates?
b. Are you taking any oral contraceptives?
c. Have you been prescribed antiseizure drugs?
d. How long have you taken antihypertensive drugs?

kalskdjl1212 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Because the total WBC count is not usually affected by aging, the low WBC count in this patient would indicate that the patient's immune function may be compromised and the underlying cause of the problem needs to be investigated. The platelet count is normal. The slight decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit are not unusual for an older patient.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Salicylates interfere with platelet function and can lead to petechiae and ecchymoses. Antiseizure drugs may cause anemia, but not clotting disorders or bleeding. Oral contraceptives increase a person's clotting risk. Antihypertensives do not usually cause problems with decreased clotting.