The nurse is caring for a patient who has a history of congestive heart failure with generalized pitting edema. Which of the following laboratory results will the nurse expect to find in the patient's chart?
A) Glycosylated hemoglobin 12%
B) Platelet count 450,000/mm 3
C) Hematocrit 32%
D) Prothrombin time 8.8 seconds

Question

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a history of congestive heart failure with generalized pitting edema. Which of the following laboratory results will the nurse expect to find in the patient's chart?
A) Glycosylated hemoglobin 12%
B) Platelet count 450,000/mm 3 
C) Hematocrit 32%
D) Prothrombin time 8.8 seconds

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hemodilution is a common finding when patients are in fluid overload caused by congestive heart failure. A normal hematocrit result is 42% to 52% for a male and 37% to 47% for a female, so the patient's 32% hematocrit level is markedly low. The other laboratory results are not expected as a result of congestive heart failure or fluid overload.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has a History