Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. The nurse is caring for a patient who is being discharged after an emergency splenectomy
following an automobile accident. Which instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
a. Watch for excess bruising.
b. Check for swollen lymph nodes.
c. Take iron supplements to prevent anemia.
d. Wash hands and avoid persons who are ill.
ANS: D
Splenectomy increases the risk for infection, especially with gram-positive bacteria. The risks for lymphedema, bleeding, and anemia are not increased after a person has a splenectomy.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application)
REF:
618
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
2. The nurse assesses a patient who has numerous petechiae on both arms. Which question
should the nurse ask the patient?
a. “Do you take salicylates?”
b. “Are you taking any oral contraceptives?”
c. “Have you been prescribed antiseizure drugs?”
d. “How long have you taken antihypertensive drugs?”
ANS: A
Salicylates interfere with platelet function and can lead to petechiae and ecchymoses.
Antiseizure drugs may cause anemia, but not clotting disorders or bleeding. Oral contraceptives increase a person’s clotting risk. Antihypertensives do not usually cause problems with decreased clotting.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension)
REF: eTable 30-1
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
3. A nurse reviews the laboratory data for an older patient. The nurse would be most concerned
about which finding?
a. Hematocrit of 35%
b. Hemoglobin of 11.8 g/dL
c. Platelet count of 400,000/µL
d. White blood cell (WBC) count of 2800/µL
ANS: D
Because the total WBC count is not usually affected by aging, the low WBC count in this patient would indicate that the patient’s immune function may be compromised and the underlying cause of the problem needs to be investigated. The platelet count is normal. The
slight