The patient is admitted with reports of chronic fatigue and shortness of breath.The nurse notices that the patient is tachycardic and has multiple bruises and petechiae on the body and arms.The patient also complains of frequent nosebleeds.The nurse should evaluate the patient's ___________________
A) complete blood count.
B) hemoglobin and hematocrit.
C) electrolyte values.
D) blood culture results.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In addition to the general symptoms of anemia,unique disorders have their own classic clinical features.The patient with aplastic anemia may have bruising,nosebleeds,petechiae,and a decreased ability to fight infections.These effects result from thrombocytopenia and decreased WBC counts,which occur when the bone marrow fails to produce blood cells.The CBC with differential,which includes a platelet count,would allow for evaluation of all aspects of aplastic anemia.Hemoglobin and hematocrit help to assess for blood loss,but assessment of cause (e.g.,low platelets)is more important.Electrolyte values and blood culture results are not relevant to this scenario.

The Patient Is Admitted with Reports of Chronic Fatigue and Shortness