The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) and notes bruising and petechiae on the patient™s extremities. The nurse will request an order for which laboratory test?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should request an order for a platelet level to assess the patient's platelet count. Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant medication that works by interfering with the blood clotting process. Bruising and petechiae may be signs of decreased platelet count or impaired platelet function. Monitoring the platelet level will help determine if the patient's symptoms are related to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). While the International Normalized Ratio (INR) is commonly used to monitor the effects of warfarin therapy, in this case, the presence of bruising and petechiae suggest a need to assess platelet levels specifically. PT and aPTT tests assess the clotting function of factors produced by the liver and are not directly related to platelet count. Vitamin K level may be tested in cases of suspected vitamin K deficiency, but it would not directly help in assessing

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Cyanosis is the bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the blood. It is not a typical clinical sign of hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, hemoglobinuria (presence of hemoglobin in the urine), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and sometimes lower back pain due to kidney involvement. Cyanosis is more commonly associated with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions where oxygen levels are affected.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Simple diffusion is a passive transport process that does not require specialized transport proteins or energy expenditure. It involves the movement of molecules from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration without the aid of a protein channel or carrier. In contrast, active transport, facilitated diffusion, and pinocytosis are specialized transports that utilize specific proteins and mechanisms to help move molecules across cell membranes. Active transport requires energy to move molecules against their concentration gradient, facilitated diffusion involves the use of specific protein channels or carriers to facilitate movement, and pinocytosis is a form of endocytosis where cells engulf fluid droplets.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Gout is a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which can be exacerbated by niacin therapy. Niacin can increase uric acid levels, potentially leading to gout flare-ups in patients with a history of gout. Therefore, a history of gout would be recognized as a contraindication for beginning Niacin therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Colchicine toxicity causes GI distress-nausea, vomiting, pain-per overdose data, a hallmark sign. Joint pain is gout, not toxicity. Vision/taste changes or cramps aren't linked-GI rules. This confirms suspicion, per assessment.