Following angioplasty, a patient develops hematuria, hypotension, tachycardia, a drop in hemoglobin and hematocrit, and a decrease in oxygen saturation. What is most likely the cause for these symptoms?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

1. Vasovagal symptoms would include decreasing heart rate and not impact the H/H or O₂ saturation levels. Blood pressure may be down, and fainting usually occurs with orthostatic positioning. 2. Ischemia may cause BP and HR symptoms with changes in O₂ saturation but not the decline in H/H. 3. Emboli distal to the insertion site will not alter the BP, HR, H/H, or O₂saturation. The pulses will be diminished or absent depending on the degree of obstruction or the size of thrombi. 4. The symptoms are a result of over-anticoagulation, which results in blood loss through the kidneys and other organs, resulting in a declining hemoglobin/hematocrit (H/H). The decrease of RBCs results in the compensation mechanism for shock by increasing the HR when compensating for the tissue hypoxia present from the lack of RBCs. Decreased perfusion and O₂ saturation in the tissues will be present.

Following Angioplasty, a Patient Develops Hematuria, Hypotension, Tachycardia, a Drop