Question

A nurse is providing discharge education to a patient who has recently been diagnosed with a bleeding

disorder. What topic should the nurse prioritize when teaching this patient?
A) Avoiding buses, subways, and other crowded, public sites
B) Avoiding activities that carry a risk for injury
C) Keeping immunizations current
D) Avoiding foods high in vitamin K

Answer 1

The nurse should focus on educating the patient about avoiding activities that pose a risk for injury, recognizing signs of excessive bleeding, and how to respond to bleeding incidents. This is essential for a patient with a bleeding disorder to manage their condition safely after leaving the hospital.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse providing discharge education to a patient recently diagnosed with a bleeding disorder should prioritize teaching about avoiding activities that carry a risk for injury. This is critical because patients with bleeding disorders are at increased risk of prolonged bleeding even from minor traumas. Protective measures include using caution with sharp objects, avoiding contact sports, and wearing protective gear when necessary. Additionally, the nurse should educate the patient on recognizing signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, or prolonged bleeding, which would necessitate medical attention.

While immunization is important, it is not the immediate priority for a bleeding disorder patient upon discharge, unless a particular vaccine is directly relevan to reducing bleeding risks. Avoiding crowds or certain foods like those high in vitamin K might be advised in specific situations, but these are not general teaching priorities. The primary focus should remain on minimizing the risk of injury and understanding how to respond should bleeding occur.