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. Wheezing in all lung fields may indicate respiratory issues but does not directly support the diagnosis of Excess Fluid Volume.
B. Pitting edema in bilateral lower extremities is a classic sign of fluid overload, which directly supports the diagnosis of Excess Fluid Volume.
C. An oral fluid intake of 2000 mL in 24 hours is within normal limits for an adult and does not necessarily indicate Excess Fluid Volume without other symptoms.
D. Significant fatigue for more than one month could be related to a variety of conditions and is too nonspecific to support the diagnosis of Excess Fluid Volume without additional assessment data.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Morphine sulfate 2 mg IV bolus every 2 hr PRN pain: This prescription is appropriate for managing pain associated with acute heart failure and MI.
B. Bumetanide 1 mg IV bolus every 12 hr: Bumetanide is a loop diuretic commonly used in heart failure to reduce fluid overload. However, the frequency of administration (every 12 hours) may not be sufficient for managing acute heart failure, where more frequent dosing may be necessary initially.
C. Laboratory testing of serum potassium upon admission: This is a routine and appropriate order to monitor electrolyte balance, especially with the use of diuretics.
D. 0.9% normal saline IV at 75 mL/hr: This is a maintenance IV fluid rate that may be appropriate depending on the client's fluid status. However, it does not directly address acute heart failure.
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