A practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the electronic health record of a client receiving a continuous intravenous heparin infusion for a pulmonary embolism. Which finding poses the greatest physiological risk to the client and requires immediate notification to the registered nurse?
- A platelet count of 85,000/mm³ that has decreased from a baseline of 210,000/mm³.Cevap
- BAn activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 68 seconds.
- CA resting blood pressure of 106/64 mmHg and a heart rate of 88 beats per minute.
- DA missing barcode on the client's identification wristband required for medication scanning.
Cevap
The platelet count of 85,000/mm³ that has decreased from a baseline of 210,000/mm³.
A significant decrease in platelets (specifically a drop greater than 50% from baseline or a drop below 150,000/mm³) in a client receiving heparin strongly indicates Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). This is a severe, immune-mediated complication that causes paradoxical widespread clotting and requires immediate notification of the registered nurse and healthcare provider to stop the infusion and initiate alternative anticoagulation.
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Reduction of Risk Potential: Complications of Anticoagulant Therapy