A client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism is placed on a continuous Heparin infusion. A nurse should notify the health care provider for which of the following findings?
Client develops ecchymosis at the venipuncture site
PTT 70 seconds (control 25-40)
Client develops hematuria
Order for Coumadin 2.5 mg to begin today
The Correct Answer is C
A. Client develops ecchymosis at the venipuncture site. Minor bruising at venipuncture sites is a common and expected side effect of heparin therapy due to its anticoagulant effect. While the nurse should monitor for increased bruising, isolated ecchymosis at an IV site does not necessarily indicate excessive anticoagulation or require immediate provider notification.
B. PTT 70 seconds (control 25-40). Heparin therapy is adjusted based on the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The therapeutic range is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value, which in this case would be approximately 60-100 seconds. A PTT of 70 seconds is within the therapeutic range, so it does not require urgent intervention.
C. Client develops hematuria. Hematuria is a sign of potential excessive anticoagulation or internal bleeding, which can be a serious complication of heparin therapy. This finding suggests that the client's coagulation status may need immediate reassessment, and the heparin infusion may require adjustment or reversal with protamine sulfate if necessary. The healthcare provider should be notified promptly.
D. Order for Coumadin 2.5 mg to begin today. It is common practice to start warfarin (Coumadin) while a client is on heparin therapy because warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels. Heparin is typically continued until the INR reaches a therapeutic range. Therefore, this order does not require provider notification.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. Wear a mask when caring for the client: This is an important action to prevent the spread of influenza, which is transmitted via respiratory droplets. Wearing a mask helps protect both the healthcare provider and other patients from potential exposure to the virus, especially in the early stages of the disease when the client is most contagious.
B. Place the client in a private room: This action is recommended to minimize the risk of transmitting the influenza virus to other patients. Isolating the client in a private room can help control the spread of infection, making it a necessary measure in this situation.
C. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake: Adequate hydration is essential for clients with influenza to help alleviate fever and maintain overall health. Increasing fluid intake supports the immune system and helps prevent complications such as dehydration, so encouraging the client to drink more fluids is appropriate.
D. Place the client on contact precautions: While contact precautions are essential for preventing the spread of infections transmitted by direct contact, they are not specifically necessary for influenza, which is primarily airborne and droplet transmitted. Standard precautions, including droplet precautions, are sufficient for managing a client with influenza.
E. Prepare to administer an antibiotic to the client: This action is not appropriate because influenza is a viral infection, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Treatment for influenza typically involves antiviral medications if indicated, supportive care, and symptom management rather than antibiotics. Therefore, this option should not be included in the actions the nurse takes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Incentive spirometry: This is the most effective independent nursing measure to prevent atelectasis. Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing and lung expansion, which helps to keep the alveoli open and reduces the risk of collapse. It is particularly beneficial for clients at risk for atelectasis, such as those who have had surgery, are immobile, or have respiratory issues. Regular use of the incentive spirometer promotes optimal lung function and helps prevent the development of atelectasis.
B. Increase oral fluid intake: While maintaining adequate hydration is important for overall health and can help thin secretions, it is not as directly effective in preventing atelectasis as incentive spirometry. Increased fluid intake alone does not promote deep breathing or lung expansion, which are critical in preventing airway collapse.
C. Ambulation: Although ambulation is an important intervention for promoting overall mobility and respiratory function, it may not be as practical for all clients, especially those who are unable to move independently. While getting the client up and moving can help prevent atelectasis, the most immediate and effective measure remains the use of incentive spirometry, which can be performed regardless of the client’s mobility status.
D. Oxygen therapy: While oxygen therapy can help improve oxygenation in clients with respiratory issues, it does not directly prevent atelectasis. Providing supplemental oxygen does not address the need for lung expansion and deep breathing, which are essential in maintaining alveolar patency. Therefore, oxygen therapy should not be prioritized as the primary independent measure to prevent atelectasis.
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