Hematologic assessment is part of the routine assessment of acute and critically ill patients. Nurses must be aware of the reference ranges for complete blood cell counts and common coagulation profiles. A case study is presented of an elderly patient, taking warfarin for atrial fibrillation, who falls and sustains a head laceration. The subsequent assessment, hospital course, and treatments required are outlined.

©2012 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
2012
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