Question

Prior to administering heparin 5,000 units subcutaneously, the nurse reviews the chart. Find the laboratory results in the table below. Based on this data, what actions should the nurse take? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY 

Monday Tuesday White Blood cell count 5.2 5.6 Red blood cell count 4.5 3.9 Hemaglobin 16 12 Hematocrit 40% 30% Platelet count 400,000 180,000 aPTT 35 37.5 

• Administer protamine sulfate 

• Notify the pharmacy of the need to switch the patient fromheparin to argatroban 

• Assess the patient for signs and symptoms of bleeding 

• Withhold the scheduled dose of heparin 

• Notify the health care provider of lab results

Answer 1

The lab result suggest signs of bleeding because

RBC count decreases from 4.5 to 3.9

Hemoglobin decreases from 16 to 12

Hematocrit decreases by 40% to 30%

and platelet also decreases from 4 lakhs to 1.8 lakhs.

Heparin is an anticoagulant which also known as a blood thinner, it can again increase the bleeding.

So, Nurse should -

Answer-

Assess the patient for signs and symptoms of bleeding.

withhold the scheduled dose of heparin.

Notify the health care provider about the lab results.