Question

A patient who has hemophilia A is scheduled for a minor surgical procedure. The patient states, "I'm worried about this surgery. My doctor told me I had to come to the hospital for some kind of treatment a week before it. What is that all about?" How should the nurse respond? Select all that apply.

1. "You must have misunderstood the directions. Let me check with the health care provider."
2. "Blood will be taken and banked in case you need to have it retransfused on the day of surgery."
3. "You will be given a test dose of a medication used to increase your clotting factors."
4. "This visit is related to your hemophilia and keeping you safe during the surgery."
5. "Don't be worried about the testing. Nothing will hurt."

Answer 1

The nurse should respond that the patient will have blood taken and banked, receive a test dose of medication to increase clotting factors, and that the visit is related to their hemophilia and keeping them safe during surgery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should respond by selecting options 2, 3, and 4:

1. "Blood will be taken and banked in case you need to have it retransfused on the day of surgery." This is called preoperative autologous donation, and it is done to ensure that the patient's own blood is available if a transfusion is needed during or after surgery.
2. "You will be given a test dose of a medication used to increase your clotting factors." This is likely referring to receiving a medication like desmopressin (DDAVP) to stimulate the release of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII, which are necessary for blood clotting.
3. "This visit is related to your hemophilia and keeping you safe during the surgery." The patient needs to undergo these preparations to ensure that their hemophilia does not put them at risk during the surgical procedure.