Explain how the coagulation of blood can be prevented by the addition of oxalates, citrates, EDTA, or heparin
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: Oxalates, citrates, and EDTA prevent the coagulation of blood by removing calcium and forming insoluble calcium salts. These three anticoagulants cannot be used in calcium determinations; however, citrates are frequently used in coagulation blood studies. EDTA prevents platelet aggregation and is therefore used for platelet counts and platelet function tests. Fresh EDTA-anticoagulated blood allows preparation of blood films with minimal distortion of white blood cells (WBCs). Heparin, a mucopolysaccharide used in assays, such as ammonia and plasma hemoglobin, prevents blood clotting by inactivating the blood-clotting chemicals thrombin and Factor X.
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Your patient is a 29-year-old diver who is exhibiting signs of decompression sickness, such as:
A. shivering. B. pain and itching. C. frothy blood from her nose. D. severe pain in her middle ear.
Which of the following approaches allows you to determine the patient's knowledge of the situation and whether it is accurate?
A. Agreeing with the patient B. Asking questions that require yes-or-no answers C. Asking hypothetical questions D. Probing for more information E. Challenging the patient