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 progressive care patient has a platelet count of 18,000/mm³. Which intervention is the highest priority?
Answer: Initiate bleeding precautions
A platelet count below 20,000/mm³ carries a high risk of spontaneous bleeding, requiring immediate bleeding precautions.
Which laboratory finding is most consistent with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
Answer: Low fibrinogen and elevated D-dimer
DIC is characterized by consumption of clotting factors and fibrinogen, along with elevated D-dimer from fibrinolysis.
A patient receiving a blood transfusion develops fever, chills, and flank pain 15 minutes after initiation. What is the nurse's first action?
Answer: Stop the transfusion immediately
Signs of a hemolytic transfusion reaction require immediate cessation of the transfusion to prevent life-threatening complications.
Which finding indicates a patient with sickle cell crisis is developing acute chest syndrome?
Answer: New infiltrate on chest X-ray with hypoxia
Acute chest syndrome is diagnosed by a new pulmonary infiltrate on imaging combined with respiratory symptoms such as hypoxia.
A patient with neutropenia (ANC < 500) develops a temperature of 38.5°C. The nurse should anticipate which intervention first?
Answer: Blood cultures and broad-spectrum antibiotics
Febrile neutropenia is a medical emergency; blood cultures must be obtained and broad-spectrum antibiotics started promptly.
Which blood product is most appropriate for a patient with hemophilia A experiencing an acute bleed?
Answer: Cryoprecipitate or Factor VIII concentrate
Hemophilia A is caused by Factor VIII deficiency; cryoprecipitate or recombinant Factor VIII concentrate replaces the missing factor.