Author Question: The patient receives heparin. During the morning assessment of the patient, the nurse notes that the ... (Read 59 times)

javeds · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The patient receives heparin. During the morning assessment of the patient, the nurse notes that the patient's blood pressure and red blood cell (RBC) count are low. There is no evidence of bleeding on the bed linen or the patient's gown.

What will the best assessment of this patient reveal?
1. The patient is dehydrated.
2. The patient may be bleeding internally.
3. The patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is too low.
4. The patient has probably formed some clots.

Question 2

The patient receives enoxaparin (Lovenox) postoperatively. The nurse teaches the patient about this medication and evaluates that learning has occurred when he makes which statement?

1. It inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins.
2. It increases the time it takes for me to form a clot.
3. It dissolves small clots so I won't have a stroke.
4. It increases the flexibility of my blood cells.

vseab · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: A low blood pressure and red blood cell (RBC) count in the patient could indicate internal bleeding. Internal bleeding, not the formation of clots, is most likely responsible for the low blood pressure and red blood cell (RBC) count. Internal bleeding, not a low activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), is most likely responsible for the low blood pressure and red blood cell (RBC) count. Internal bleeding, not dehydration, is most likely responsible for the low blood pressure and red blood cell (RBC) count.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: All anticoagulant drugs will increase the normal time the body takes to form clots. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) does not dissolve small clots. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) does not increase the flexibility of blood cells. Enoxaparin (Lovenox) does not inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins.