A 30-Year-Old Patient Is Diagnosed with a Third Episode of DVT

question 11

Multiple Choice

A 30-year-old patient is diagnosed with a third episode of DVT. He is currently hospitalized and receiving heparin therapy. The physician orders a thrombotic risk battery of tests. What is the most appropriate action that the laboratory professional should take?

• A) Call the physician and explain that testing will not be accurate during anticoagulant therapy and during the thrombotic episode
• B) Perform the battery of tests in the thrombosis risk profile but note that results are not reliable
• C) Perform a PT and an APTT, and, if prolonged, refuse to do the testing
• D) Call the physician and explain that this patient is not a candidate for thrombosis risk testing

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Definitions:

Processing Speed

The rate at which an individual can take in, assess, and respond to information.

Expert

an individual with extensive knowledge or ability in a particular area, often gained through experience and study.

Formal Procedures

Established methods or steps followed in a specific order to accomplish a task or resolve an issue in official settings.

Cerebrospinal Fluid

A clear, colorless body fluid found in the brain and spinal cord, serving as a cushion and providing nutrients to the central nervous system.