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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While taking the blood pressure in the other arm might avoid the spasms, it does not address the underlying cause of the spasms. Therefore, this is not the best action for the nurse to take.
Choice B rationale

Using a different sphygmomanometer would not necessarily prevent the spasms from occurring. The spasms are likely not caused by the equipment itself, but rather a physiological issue within the client.
Choice C rationale
The spasms in the client’s hand and fingers could be a sign of hypocalcemia, a condition where there is not enough calcium in the blood. One of the symptoms of hypocalcemia is muscle spasms or tetany. Therefore, reviewing the client’s serum calcium level would be an appropriate action to take.
Choice D rationale
Administering a PRN antianxiety medication would not address the underlying cause of the spasms. While anxiety can cause muscle tension and spasms, there is no indication in the scenario that anxiety is the cause of this client’s symptoms.

A. Keep the head of the bed raised 45 degrees. B. Monitor the patient’s blood glucose level. C. Assess the warmth of the patient’s extremities. D. Maintain strict intake and output.

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.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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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?