PCCN Hematology and Immunology Flashcards
6 cards from real PCCN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 PCCN Hematology and Immunology flashcards as text
A patient on heparin infusion has a PTT of 210 seconds (goal 60–100 seconds). What is the priority nursing action?
Answer: Hold the infusion and notify the provider
A supratherapeutic PTT significantly above goal indicates over-anticoagulation; the infusion should be stopped and the provider notified immediately.
Which clinical finding is most indicative of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)?
Answer: Platelet count drop of >50% after 5–14 days of heparin
HIT classically presents with a >50% decline in platelets occurring 5–14 days after heparin exposure due to antibody formation.
A patient with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has a platelet count of 10,000/mm³. Which finding would require the most urgent intervention?
Answer: Sudden severe headache and altered mental status
Sudden severe headache and altered mental status suggest intracranial hemorrhage, the most dangerous complication of severe thrombocytopenia.
When preparing to transfuse irradiated blood products, the nurse understands this measure prevents which complication?
Answer: Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease
Irradiation inactivates donor T lymphocytes, preventing transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease in immunocompromised patients.
A patient with polycythemia vera is most at risk for which complication in the progressive care unit?
Answer: Thromboembolic events
Polycythemia vera causes increased blood viscosity due to excess RBCs, significantly elevating risk for thrombosis and embolic events.
Which action is most important when administering leukocyte-reduced blood products?
Answer: Ensure the product is used to prevent CMV transmission
Leukocyte reduction reduces the risk of CMV transmission and febrile non-hemolytic reactions in at-risk patients.