A home health nurse is caring for a 60-year-old male with a hemoglobin of 10.5 g/dl and a hematocrit of 30%. Which of the following actions would be most appropriate?

Explanation

• Normal hemoglobin and hematocrit for a male is 14-18 g/dl and 42-52%

• These values indicate anemia. Anemia could be caused by a GI bleed. The nurse should assess the patient for signs and symptoms of bleeding

• Blood pressure should be checked only after assessing for more common signs of a GI bleed. Anemic patients often have a normal blood pressure

• Sending the patient to the hospital may be needed, but the nurse should assess the situation first

• The hemoglobin and hematocrit should be rechecked frequently if a GI bleed is suspected

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