A client is on intravenous heparin to treat DVT in the right leg. The client’s most recent partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was 25 seconds. What order would the nurse anticipate?

No change to the heparin rate

Decrease the heparin rate

Stop heparin and start warfarin

Increase the heparin rate

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: No change to the heparin rate is not appropriate in this scenario. The normal range for PTT is generally between 25 to 35 seconds. However, for a client on heparin therapy, the target PTT is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal range, which would be approximately 60 to 80 seconds. Since the client’s PTT is only 25 seconds, it indicates that the blood is clotting too quickly, and the heparin dose is insufficient.

Choice B reason: Decreasing the heparin rate would further reduce the anticoagulant effect, which is not advisable given the current PTT of 25 seconds. Lowering the heparin rate could increase the risk of thrombus formation and worsen the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) condition.

Choice C reason: Stopping heparin and starting warfarin is not an immediate solution. Warfarin takes several days to achieve its full anticoagulant effect, and during this transition period, the client would be at risk of clot formation. Heparin provides immediate anticoagulation, which is crucial in the acute management of DVT.

Choice D reason: Increasing the heparin rate is the correct action. The current PTT of 25 seconds is below the therapeutic range for a client on heparin therapy. Increasing the heparin rate will help achieve the desired anticoagulant effect, prolonging the PTT to the target range of 60 to 80 seconds.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Monitoring the heart rate is crucial when administering amiodarone, as this drug can cause bradycardia (a slower than normal heart rate). Amiodarone affects the electrical conduction system of the heart, and close monitoring helps ensure that the heart rate remains within a safe range. The normal resting heart rate for adults is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute.

Choice B reason: Respiratory rate monitoring is essential because amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, which may manifest as interstitial pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis. Early detection of respiratory changes can help prevent severe complications. The normal respiratory rate for adults is 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Choice C reason: Monitoring heart rhythm is necessary because amiodarone is used to treat arrhythmias, and it can also cause new arrhythmias or exacerbate existing ones. Continuous ECG monitoring helps detect any abnormal rhythms early, allowing for prompt intervention. Normal sinus rhythm is characterized by a regular rhythm with a rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Choice D reason: Cardiac output monitoring is important because amiodarone can affect the contractility of the heart and overall cardiac function. Cardiac output is a measure of the amount of blood the heart pumps in one minute, and it is crucial for ensuring adequate tissue perfusion. Normal cardiac output ranges from 4 to 8 liters per minute in adults.

A. Instruct the patient to withhold any medication for diuretic therapy. B. Prepare to administer fluids 2 hours before the procedure for patients with renal dysfunction. C. Advise the patient to take all anticoagulants. D. Administer steroids if the patient has an allergy to iodine-based contrast. E. Ensure that the patient is NPO for a minimum of 2 hours before the procedure.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A: Instruct the patient to withhold any medication for diuretic therapy.

Reason: Diuretics can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can complicate the cardiac catheterization procedure. Withholding diuretics helps to maintain fluid balance and reduce the risk of complications during the procedure

Choice B: Prepare to administer fluids 2 hours before the procedure for patients with renal dysfunction.

Reason: Administering fluids before the procedure helps to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy, especially in patients with renal dysfunction. Hydration helps to flush out the contrast material used during the procedure, reducing the risk of kidney damage.

Choice C: Advise the patient to take all anticoagulants.

Reason: This choice is incorrect. Patients are usually advised to withhold anticoagulants before a cardiac catheterization to reduce the risk of bleeding complications. The decision to continue or withhold anticoagulants should be based on a careful assessment of the patient’s risk of thromboembolism versus the risk of bleeding.

Choice D: Administer steroids if the patient has an allergy to iodine-based contrast.

Reason: Administering steroids is a common premedication strategy for patients with a known allergy to iodine-based contrast media. Steroids help to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction during the procedure.

Choice E: Ensure that the patient is NPO for a minimum of 2 hours before the procedure.

Reason: Ensuring that the patient is NPO (nothing by mouth) helps to reduce the risk of aspiration during the procedure. Typically, patients are advised to be NPO for 6-8 hours before the procedure, but a minimum of 2 hours is essential.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client is on intravenous heparin to treat DVT in the right leg. The client’s most recent partial thromboplastin time (PTT) was 25 seconds. What order would the nurse anticipate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse administers amiodarone to a client with ventricular tachycardia. Which monitoring by the nurse is necessary with this drug? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

In addition to assessing peripheral pulses and auscultating the patient’s heart and lung sounds, which action will be implemented by the nurse before a cardiac catheterization? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is teaching self-management to a client who has hepatitis B. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A client needs 5 liters of oxygen. Which of the following devices is appropriate for use with an oxygen flow rate of 5 liters? Select all that apply:

Which sign or symptom would the nurse anticipate in a patient diagnosed with tuberculosis? Select all that apply. One, some, or all responses may be correct.

The nurse is caring for a client immediately following a cardioversion. What nursing actions are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse is taking care of a client diagnosed with advanced liver disease with hepatic encephalopathy. Lactulose (Cephulac) is administered to the patient to reduce which of the following?

The nurse administers amiodarone to a client with ventricular tachycardia. Which monitoring by the nurse is necessary with this drug? (Select all that apply)

Exhibits You retrieved regular insulin 100 units in 1 ml. How many ml should you administer? Note Enter ONLY the number DO NOT enter the unit(s) of measurement

A postoperative client following a thyroidectomy suddenly develops difficulty breathing, stridor, and an increase in swelling of the anterior neck area. What should the nurse do first?