The nurse is administering SUBO enoxaparin to a client following knee replacement surgery to prevent a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory result requires immediate action by the nurse? Reference Range: Hematocrit [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)] Platelets [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 (150 to 400 x 109/L]] Creatinine [0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL (44 to 97 pmol/L)] Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) [10 to 20 mg/dL (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L)]
Explanation & Rationale
A. Platelet count of 100,000/mm³ (100 x 10^9/L): Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can be a serious adverse effect of anticoagulant therapy. A platelet count of 100,000/mm³ is below the normal range (150,000 to 400,000/mm³) and indicates potential thrombocytopenia, which could increase the risk of bleeding and may warrant immediate action. B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L): This BUN level is at the upper limit of normal but does not typically require immediate action unless there are other symptoms or significant changes in kidney function. C. Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 μmol/L): This value is within the normal range for serum creatinine and does not indicate an immediate concern related to enoxaparin. D. Hematocrit 45% (0.45 volume fraction): This hematocrit level is within the normal range and does not typically require immediate action.