Exhibits Based upon the day 3 lab results, which order should the nurse bring to the provider's attention?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Potassium 10 meq IV mini bag: The potassium level is at the lower end of the normal range (3.5 mEq/L), but it is not critically low. Potassium supplementation may be needed, but it is not as urgent as managing the elevated INR and low platelet count. B. Warfarin 5mg by mouth: The patient's INR is elevated at 5.0 (normal range: 2.0-3.0), which significantly increases the risk of bleeding, especially with low platelet levels (50,000/mm3, normal range: 150,000-450,000/mm3). Given the critical low platelets and elevated INR, this order should be brought to the provider's attention to reduce the bleeding risk. C. Regular insulin 5 units subcutaneously: The patient’s blood glucose is elevated at 240 mg/dL, but insulin administration at 5 units is appropriate for the patient's condition and not an immediate concern compared to the bleeding risk from Warfarin. D. Discontinue indwelling catheter: The catheter is scheduled for discontinuation, but this is not as urgent as addressing the bleeding risk associated with the elevated INR and low platelet count.