Question 1

A patient's laboratory results reveal a low platelet count. The nurse would assess the patient for which skin finding?

Accepted Answer

Petechiae are tiny red or purple spots on the skin that occur when small blood vessels break and bleed into the skin. A low platelet count can cause easy bleeding and bruising, which can manifest as petechiae on the skin. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and eyes typically seen in liver disease, a brown or dark tinge to the skin is not typically associated with a low platelet count, and a flushed appearance may be seen in a variety of conditions such as fever or emotional stress.

Question 2

A patient's white blood cell count is 11,000/mm³. The nurse evaluates this value as representing which component of the hematologic system?

Accepted Answer

A white blood cell count reflects the total number of circulating leukocytes, which include all types of white blood cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils.

Question 3

A patient's laboratory values indicate a "shift to the left." The nurse would anticipate further testing for which possible conditions? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A,B,D,E

Question 4

Which patient statements would the nurse document as part of the chief complaint? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The chief complaint is the main reason the patient is seeking medical attention. In this case, the patient's statements about being constantly tired, getting short of breath easily, and not recovering from a cold could all be considered part of the chief complaint as they are symptoms the patient is experiencing and seeking medical help for. Statements about family history or past exposures to pollution are not considered part of the chief complaint.

Question 5

The nurse is developing a series of presentations for a group of high school students interested in a career in health care. Which topics would the nurse consider for inclusion in a discussion of hematologic function? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is developing a series of...

Question 6

What phrases would the nurse use to describe red blood cells? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What phrases would the nurse use to...

Question 7

The nurse asks specific questions about alcohol consumption when collecting data about a patient's hematologic system. What rationale would the nurse offer for these questions?

Accepted Answer

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to vitamin deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin C, which can result in anemia and other hematologic disorders. Therefore, the nurse asks specific questions about alcohol consumption to assess for potential hematologic complications related to vitamin deficiencies.

Question 8

A patient is admitted to the unit with a high count of lymphocytes. The nurse knows that a greater number of which types of cells are present? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient is admitted to the unit...

Question 9

Physical examination related to the hematologic system of the adult patient should include inspection of which areas of the body? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Physical examination related to the hematologic system...

Question 10

Which statements would the nurse make when discussing age-related changes in the hematologic system? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin levels decrease slightly with age, but there is still enough red marrow to produce blood cells. Blood cell counts may have slight changes, but not big differences. Immunosenescence, or changes in immune response, may lead to decreased response to immunizations. Recovery time may increase after injury or illness due to age-related changes in the hematologic system.

Question 11

The patient's laboratory testing reveals a decreased red blood cell count. The nurse anticipates further testing to determine if the patient has which disorder? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The patient's laboratory testing reveals a decreased...

Question 12

A patient's laboratory values indicate a "shift to the left." The nurse would expect changes in which cell count?

Accepted Answer

A "shift to the left" refers to an increase in the number of immature forms of white blood cells, indicating an increase in the body's production of neutrophils to fight infection. Therefore, the nurse would expect changes in the white blood cell count, specifically an increase in the number of neutrophils.

Question 13

While reviewing the white blood cell count differential for a patient, the nurse notes that the basophil count is elevated. What does this laboratory value indicate to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

An elevated basophil count is often associated with an acute hypersensitivity reaction, such as an allergic response. Basophils contain histamine, which is released in response to an allergen and can contribute to symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. Elevated basophil counts can also be seen in some types of leukemias, but this is less common than an association with hypersensitivity reactions.

Question 14

A patient with a family history of anemia is admitted to the unit. What type of blood cell would be characteristic of an anemia with a familial pattern?

Accepted Answer

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin in red blood cells, leading to anemia. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, making it characteristic of an anemia with a familial pattern.

Question 15

A patient comes to the emergency department complaining of dyspnea. After analyzing these laboratory results, the nurse would conduct further assessment for which condition?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient comes to the emergency department...

Question 16

How would the nurse explain primary and secondary hemostasis to the parents of a child newly diagnosed with a platelet disorder? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of How would the nurse explain primary and...

Question 17

A middle-aged couple has had their hemoglobin and hematocrit levels measured at a community health fair. How would the nurse explain the results of these tests?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A middle-aged couple has had their hemoglobin...

Question 18

When assessing an older adult for possible hematologic problems, the nurse should pay particular attention to which portions of the assessment? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of When assessing an older adult for possible...

Question 19

The nurse would immediately collaborate with the health care provider if a patient experiences a "shift to the left" in laboratory values. What is the rationale for this collaboration?

Accepted Answer

A "shift to the left" in laboratory values refers to an increase in the number of immature white blood cells in the bloodstream, indicating that the body is actively fighting off an infection. This could suggest a potential severe infection and requires collaboration with the healthcare provider to determine appropriate treatment.

Question 20

A differential blood count has been ordered on a patient being admitted for surgery. How would the nurse explain the purpose of this test?

Accepted Answer

A differential blood count measures the percentages of the different types of white blood cells in the blood, which can help to determine if the patient is fighting an infection. It does not measure clotting ability or assess if the patient has responded to a blood transfusion.

Quiz 55: Nursing Assessment of the Patient With Hematological Disorders

A patient's laboratory results reveal a low platelet count. The nurse would assess the patient for which skin finding?

A patient's white blood cell count is 11,000/mm3. The nurse evaluates this value as representing which component of the hematologic system?

A patient's laboratory values indicate a "shift to the left." The nurse would anticipate further testing for which possible conditions? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Which patient statements would the nurse document as part of the chief complaint? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply.

What phrases would the nurse use to describe red blood cells? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply.

The nurse asks specific questions about alcohol consumption when collecting data about a patient's hematologic system. What rationale would the nurse offer for these questions?

A patient is admitted to the unit with a high count of lymphocytes. The nurse knows that a greater number of which types of cells are present? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Physical examination related to the hematologic system of the adult patient should include inspection of which areas of the body? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply.

Which statements would the nurse make when discussing age-related changes in the hematologic system? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply.

The patient's laboratory testing reveals a decreased red blood cell count. The nurse anticipates further testing to determine if the patient has which disorder? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Standard Text: Select all that apply.