A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg is on a heparin protocol.
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?
Observe for bleeding side effects related to heparin therapy.
Encourage mobilization to prevent pulmonary embolism.
Assess blood pressure and heart rate at least every 4 hours.
Measure each calf’s girth to evaluate edema in the affected leg.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that prevents the formation of blood clots. One of the most common and serious side effects of heparin therapy is bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to observe for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, hematomas, black tarry stools, hematuria, and changes in mental status. Regular laboratory monitoring of the client’s coagulation status, specifically the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), is also necessary to ensure therapeutic levels of heparin without causing excessive bleeding.
Choice B rationale
While mobilization can help prevent the formation of new clots, it is not the most important intervention for a client who is already on a heparin protocol for DVT. Mobilization can potentially dislodge the existing clot, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Choice C rationale
Although it is important to monitor vital signs in all clients, assessing blood pressure and heart rate every 4 hours is not the most important intervention for a client on a heparin protocol.
Changes in blood pressure and heart rate are not specific to heparin therapy and do not provide direct information about the effectiveness or side effects of the medication.
Choice D rationale
Measuring each calf’s girth can help evaluate the progression of edema in the affected leg, but it is not the most important intervention for a client on a heparin protocol. While it can provide information about the local effects of the DVT, it does not address the systemic anticoagulation effects of heparin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Seeking clarification of the type of advance directive the client has is the most appropriate response. A living will typically outlines a person’s wishes for end-of-life care, but it may not specifically address emergency situations like cardiac arrest.
Choice A rationale
Scheduling a client and family conference to review the plan of care may be helpful, but it is not the immediate priority. The nurse first needs to understand the client’s wishes as outlined in their advance directive.
Choice B rationale
Explaining that living wills cannot be followed by emergency personnel is not entirely accurate. While it’s true that emergency personnel initiating resuscitative measures may not have immediate access to a person’s living will, in a hospital setting, a person’s known wishes should be respected as much as possible.
Choice C rationale
Checking the client’s arm for a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) bracelet is not the most appropriate response. While some people may choose to wear such a bracelet, not all do. Furthermore, a DNR order is just one type of advance directive, and it’s important to clarify what specific directives the client has in place.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Replacing the IV site with a smaller gauge is not the most appropriate intervention in this situation. The client’s confusion and picking at the dressing and tape are likely due to the dementia and increased confusion at night, known as “sundowning”. While a smaller gauge might be less noticeable to the client, it does not address the primary issue of the client’s confusion and restlessness at night.
Choice B rationale
Applying soft bilateral wrist restraints might be considered in some situations to prevent a confused client from removing necessary medical devices. However, restraints should be a last resort after all other interventions have been tried because they can increase agitation and confusion, and they pose a risk for injury.
Choice C rationale
Redressing the abdominal incision is the correct choice. The dressing is no longer occlusive, which means it’s not providing a proper barrier to bacteria. This could lead to an infection in the surgical site. The nurse should clean the area and apply a new sterile dressing.
Additionally, the nurse should continue to monitor the client’s behavior and implement interventions to reduce confusion and restlessness, such as reorienting the client and providing a quiet and calm environment.
Choice D rationale
Leaving the lights on in the room at night can actually increase confusion and agitation in clients with dementia. It can disrupt the client’s sleep-wake cycle and make “sundowning” worse. Therefore, this is not the most appropriate intervention.
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