Final answer:
In caring for a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), the nurse should report assessment findings including abnormal aPTT levels, positive stool for blood, and history of splenectomy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When caring for a patient with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), the nurse should report the following assessment findings to the medical team:
- The most recent aPTT is 2.8: This finding indicates that the patient's blood is not clotting properly, which can be a sign of HIT.
- The patient's last stool tested positive for blood: This finding suggests that the patient may be experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding, which can occur in patients with HIT.
- The patient's spleen was removed after a motor vehicle accident 3 years ago: Although this finding may not directly relate to HIT, it is important to report any history of organ removal, as it may impact the patient's overall health and treatment plan.