A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who is receiving continuous IV heparin. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

The client has an INR of 2.

The client has an aPTT of 80 seconds.

The client experiences sudden weakness of one arm and leg.

The client's ECG tracing shows irregular heart rate without P waves.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. An INR of 2 is within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation but is more relevant for warfarin therapy rather than heparin.
B. An aPTT of 80 seconds is slightly elevated but not immediately life-threatening. The therapeutic range for heparin is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value (approximately 60-80 seconds).
C. Sudden weakness of one arm and leg suggests a possible embolic stroke, which is a serious complication of atrial fibrillation. This requires immediate assessment and intervention.
D. An irregular heart rate without P waves is characteristic of atrial fibrillation but is not the most urgent concern compared to potential stroke symptoms.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. In a hypertensive emergency, the goal is to reduce blood pressure gradually over 24 to 48 hours to prevent organ damage while avoiding excessive drops that could cause ischemia.
B. Rapid reduction of blood pressure over a few hours can lead to organ hypoperfusion and ischemic complications, such as stroke or acute kidney injury.
C. A 50% reduction in the first hour is too aggressive and may result in severe adverse effects such as cerebral or myocardial ischemia. The recommended initial reduction is no more than 25% in the first hour.
D. Treating hypertension based solely on symptoms is inappropriate, as some patients may be asymptomatic despite dangerously high blood pressure. The focus is on preventing target organ damage.

A. Avoid sick contacts B. You will require prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures. C. You can discontinue your antibiotics once you start feeling better. D. Avoid physical activity for the next six months to allow your heart to heal completely.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Avoiding sick contacts is generally a good practice, but it is not the primary concern for a client with infective endocarditis. The focus is on preventing bacterial infections that could enter the bloodstream and affect the heart valves.
B. Prophylactic antibiotics are required before dental and invasive procedures to prevent bacterial endocarditis recurrence. The bacteria that cause infective endocarditis can enter the bloodstream through procedures that involve mucosal surfaces.
C. Discontinuing antibiotics when feeling better is incorrect. Infective endocarditis requires a full course of IV antibiotics, often lasting 4 to 6 weeks, to fully eradicate the infection and prevent complications.
D. Avoiding physical activity for six months is unnecessary unless the client has severe cardiac complications. However, clients should monitor for symptoms such as fatigue and consult their provider before engaging in strenuous activities.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with atrial fibrillation who is receiving continuous IV heparin. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client admitted with hypertensive emergency. The nurse is aware the treatment goals for the patient include which of the following?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client diagnosed with infective endocarditis with vegetation on the tricuspid valve. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for an exercise stress test. Which of the following medications should the nurse hold the morning of the stress test?

A nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and has a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is caring for a client in a critical care unit who is 4 hours post-operative coronary artery bypass surgery. The nurse performs the reassessment and suspects the client may be developing a pericardial effusion. What assessment findings would the nurse note in this case?

Identify the following Cardiac Rhythm:

A nurse is reviewing blood pressure classifications with a group of nurses at an in-service meeting. Which of the following should the nurse include as a risk factor for the development of hypertension?

Exhibits Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices below to specify what condition the client is most likely experiencing, 2 actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and 2 parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress.

A nurse is caring for a client post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). During the first cardiac rehabilitation session, the client tells the nurse, "I do not need to be here. I am feeling so much better, I can do this at home." Which of the following is the appropriate nursing response?

A nurse is caring for a client with a history of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Which of the following assessments should be the nurse's priority for a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm?