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 {"dropdown-group-1":"D","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a common opportunistic infection in individuals with AIDS, particularly when their CD4 T-cell count falls below 200/mm3. PCP is caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients. The CD4 T-cell count is a key indicator of immune function in HIV/AIDS patients. A CD4 T-cell count below 200/mm3 is indicative of severe immune suppression and significantly increases the risk of opportunistic infections such as pneumocystis pneumonia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "After the surgery, I will have to be careful with heavy lifting for a few weeks": This statement demonstrates understanding of postoperative precautions, as heavy lifting can strain the surgical site and delay healing.
B. "I know that after the surgery, I will only have one testicle left": This statement indicates awareness of the surgical procedure and its potential outcomes, which is accurate.
C. "I will have to take antibiotics as prescribed by my doctor to prevent infection": This statement reflects understanding of the importance of antibiotic therapy to prevent postoperative infection, which is correct.
D. "I will need to avoid showering for a month after the surgery": This statement is incorrect.
Avoiding showering for a month after surgery is unnecessary and could lead to poor hygiene and potential complications such as infection. The client should be educated that showering is typically allowed after surgery, but they should avoid soaking the incision site in water until it has healed properly.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.