Author Question: The nurse reviews the laboratory results for a patient and determines the viscosity of the blood is ... (Read 88 times)

SGallaher96 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

The nurse reviews the laboratory results for a patient and determines the viscosity of the blood is thick. Which laboratory result did the nurse check?

a. Arterial blood gas
b. Blood culture
c. Hematocrit
d. Potassium

Question 2

The patient's blood pressure is 140/60. Which value will the nurse record for the pulse pressure?

a. 60
b. 80
c. 140
d. 200

Jordin Calloway · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The hematocrit, or the percentage of red blood cells in the blood, determines blood viscosity. Blood cultures determine the causative agent of an infection. Abnormal potassium levels can cause dysrhythmias. Arterial blood gases determine acid-base balance or the pH levels of the blood.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The difference between the systolic pressure and the diastolic pressure is the pulse pressure. For a blood pressure of 140/60, the pulse pressure is 80 (140 60 = 80). 140 is the systolic pressure. 60 is the diastolic pressure. 200 is the systolic (140) added to the diastolic (60), but this has no clinical significance.