The nurse is preparing to draw blood for plasminogen from a patient in the intensive care unit.The nurse recognizes that additional anticoagulant must be added to the collection tube if which of the following is true?
A)Patient has a fever over 101°F.
B)Patient has a history of hemolytic anemia.
C)Patient has a hematocrit over 55%.
D)Patient has an elevated ammonia level.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A hematocrit over 55% indicates that the patient has a high red blood cell count, which can result in the blood being more viscous and difficult to collect. Adding an anticoagulant to the collection tube can help prevent clotting during collection. Fever, hemolytic anemia, and elevated ammonia levels do not require additional anticoagulant.

The Nurse Is Preparing to Draw Blood for Plasminogen from a Patient