A client with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg is on a heparin protocol. What is the most crucial intervention for the nurse to include in this client’s care plan?

Monitor for bleeding side effects related to heparin therapy.

Promote movement to prevent a pulmonary embolism.

Check blood pressure and heart rate at least every 4 hours.

Measure the circumference of each calf to assess for leg edema.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
The most crucial intervention for a nurse to include in the care plan of a client with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg who is on a heparin protocol is to monitor for bleeding side effects related to heparin therapy. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that prevents the formation of blood clots. While it is an effective treatment for DVT, it can also increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the client for any signs of bleeding, such as unusual bruising, blood in urine or stool, or bleeding gums.
Choice B rationale
While promoting movement can help prevent a pulmonary embolism (a potential complication of DVT), it is not the most crucial intervention when a client is on a heparin protocol. Excessive movement can potentially dislodge the clot, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Therefore, while movement is important, it should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Choice C rationale
Checking blood pressure and heart rate at least every 4 hours is a standard nursing intervention for many clients, not just those with DVT. While it is important to monitor these vital signs, it is not the most crucial intervention for a client with DVT on a heparin protocol.
Choice D rationale

Measuring the circumference of each calf can help assess for leg edema, which can be a sign of DVT. However, this is not the most crucial intervention for a client on a heparin protocol. The priority is to monitor for bleeding side effects related to the heparin therapy.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Keeping the head of the bed raised 45 degrees can help improve lung expansion and reduce the risk of aspiration, which is particularly important for patients who are intubated or receiving enteral nutrition. However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with septic shock.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring the patient’s blood glucose level is important, especially if the patient is receiving insulin or parenteral nutrition, as these can increase blood glucose levels. However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with septic shock.
Choice C rationale
Assessing the warmth of the patient’s extremities can provide information about peripheral perfusion and may be useful in monitoring the patient’s response to treatment. However, it is not the most important intervention for a patient with septic shock.
Choice D rationale
This is the correct answer. Maintaining strict intake and output is crucial in managing a patient with septic shock. Fluid balance is a key component of managing septic shock, and accurate intake and output measurements are essential for guiding fluid resuscitation and assessing the patient’s response to treatment.

A. Ventilation B. Neurological status C. Exposure D. Current medications E. Allergies F. Circulation

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

Explanation

The correct answer is A. Ventilation, B. Neurological status, C. Exposure, F. Circulation.

Choice A: Ventilation Ventilation is a crucial part of the primary survey in trauma assessment. It involves assessing the patient’s respiratory rate and effort, use of accessory muscles, cyanosis, and chest wall movement. The normal respiratory rate for adults is between 12-20 breaths per minute.

Choice B: Neurological status Neurological status is another vital component of the primary survey. It often involves assessing the patient’s level of consciousness, often using tools like the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The GCS score can range from 3 (completely unresponsive) to 15 (responsive).

Choice C: Exposure Exposure involves removing the patient’s clothing to check for any hidden injuries. It’s an essential step in trauma assessment, but there’s no “normal range” for this as it’s a process rather than a measurable variable.

Choice D: Current medications While knowing a patient’s current medications is important in managing their care, it’s not typically part of the primary survey in trauma assessment. This information is usually gathered during the secondary survey.

Choice E: Allergies Like current medications, information about allergies is also crucial in managing patient care, but it’s not part of the primary survey. This information is usually collected during the secondary survey.

Choice F: Circulation Circulation is a critical part of the primary survey. It involves checking the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, capillary refill time, and looking for any signs of external bleeding. The normal resting heart rate can range between 60-99 beats per minute.

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A client with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg is on a heparin protocol. What is the most crucial intervention for the nurse to include in this client’s care plan?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient admitted to the hospital with a suspected ruptured diverticulum develops signs and symptoms of septic shock. The healthcare provider prescribes a sepsis protocol. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse inspects the airway and finds no visible trauma, and the airway appears to be patent. What other assessment items are included in the primary survey? Select all that apply.

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

Explanation

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