Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Which of the following risk factors for this disorder should the nurse include in the teaching?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Heparin therapy for deep-vein thrombosis. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a serious side effect of heparin therapy, characterized by a drop in platelet count due to an immune response to heparin. It is crucial for the nurse to include this risk factor in the teaching because patients on heparin therapy are at an increased risk for developing HIT. Systemic lupus erythematosus (choice A) and placental abruption (choice B) are not direct risk factors for HIT. Warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation (choice D) is not associated with HIT as warfarin works differently from heparin in preventing blood clots.