A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism that is placed on a continuous heparin infusion. The nurse should notify the health care provider for which of the following findings?
Client develops petechiae on the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Health care provider orders Coumadin 2.5 mg P.O. to begin today.
Client develops slight ecchymosis at the venipuncture site.
Client's partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is 70 seconds and the control is 25-40 seconds.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Client develops petechiae on the arms, legs, and abdomen: Petechiae can indicate thrombocytopenia, which may be a complication of heparin therapy but is not an urgent concern unless severe or associated with bleeding.
B. Health care provider orders Coumadin 2.5 mg P.O. to begin today: Coumadin (warfarin) is often initiated as a bridge therapy or overlap with heparin therapy in pulmonary embolism management. This order is not necessarily inappropriate and may be part of the treatment plan.
C. Client develops slight ecchymosis at the venipuncture site: Ecchymosis at the venipuncture site can occur due to minor trauma during the insertion of IV lines or blood draws and is not necessarily indicative of a complication requiring immediate notification of the healthcare provider.
D. Client's partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is 70 seconds and the control is 25-40 seconds: A significantly elevated PTT indicates a potential overdose of heparin, putting the client at risk of bleeding complications. This finding warrants immediate notification of the healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of heparin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Heart rate of 90 bpm: While an elevated heart rate may be expected in response to burn injury and the body's stress response, a heart rate of 90 bpm alone may not be concerning without additional context.
B. Blood pressure of 96/50 mm Hg: This blood pressure reading indicates hypotension, which can be a sign of inadequate tissue perfusion, fluid loss, or shock. It requires prompt notification of the healthcare provider for further assessment and intervention.
C. Urine output of 2 mL/kg per hour: Adequate urine output is important for renal function and fluid balance, and a urine output of 2 mL/kg per hour is within the normal range. While changes in urine output should be monitored, this finding alone does not require immediate notification of the healthcare provider.
D. Pain rating of 7 on a 1 to 10 point scale: Pain management is important in burn care, but a pain rating of 7 on a 1 to 10 scale is not unusual in clients with burns and may not require immediate notification of the healthcare provider unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "My sense of smell is taking a long time to return.": This statement indicates a misunderstanding because, after a total laryngectomy, the sense of smell is significantly impaired or lost due to the inability to breathe through the nose. The client needs further teaching to understand that this change is likely permanent.
B. "Breathing through my stoma has diminished my sense of smell.": This statement is accurate as the stoma bypasses the nasal passages, reducing the sense of smell.
C. "I can't smell what I eat, but hope to enjoy eating in the future.": This shows an understanding that the sense of smell is impaired but expresses a positive outlook on enjoying food in other ways.
D. "I am happy to have a mild sense of taste despite no sense of smell.": This statement indicates an understanding of the sensory changes post-laryngectomy and reflects realistic expectations.
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