A nurse will use extreme caution when administering heparin to which type of patient?

• A. A patient with hypertension
• B. A patient with anemia
• C. A patient with hyperlipidemia
• D. A patient with a history of thrombocytopenia

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the function of heparin: Heparin is an anticoagulant, which means it helps prevent the formation of blood clots.
2. Identify the condition thrombocytopenia: Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by an abnormally low number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for blood clotting.
3. Consider the risks of administering heparin: In patients with thrombocytopenia, the use of heparin can increase the risk of bleeding due to the already low platelet count.
4. Evaluate the other conditions: Hypertension, anemia, and hyperlipidemia do not directly affect platelet count in the same way thrombocytopenia does, making them less risky in the context of heparin administration.
5. Conclude that extreme caution is necessary for patients with thrombocytopenia when administering heparin due to the increased risk of bleeding complications.