A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and is receiving therapy with unfractionated heparin. Which of the following laboratory results indicates that the therapy is effective?
PT 12 seconds.
aPTT 75 seconds.
INR 1.1.
Platelets 200,000/mm².
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
A PT (Prothrombin Time) of 12 seconds is not indicative of the effectiveness of heparin therapy for a pulmonary embolism. PT measures the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, and it is more relevant to monitor in patients on warfarin therapy.
Choice B rationale:
The aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) of 75 seconds is the correct choice as it reflects the effectiveness of unfractionated heparin therapy. Heparin works by inhibiting clotting factors in the intrinsic pathway, and the aPTT is used to monitor heparin's anticoagulant effect. The normal range for aPTT is typically 25-35 seconds.
Choice C rationale:
An INR (International Normalized Ratio) of 1.1 is not the appropriate parameter to assess the effectiveness of heparin therapy. INR is primarily used to monitor the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants like warfarin, not heparin.
Choice D rationale:
The platelet count of 200,000/mm² is not a suitable parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of heparin therapy. Platelet count is important for assessing the risk of bleeding or clotting disorders but does not directly measure the impact of heparin on clotting factors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Is not suitable for a client who has undergone a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. This exercise may put a strain on the surgical site and cause discomfort or injury.
Choice B rationale:
Is also not appropriate for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves using the left hand extensively, which could potentially disrupt the healing process and cause pain.
Choice C rationale:
Is not recommended for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves significant upper body movement, which may not be well-tolerated after surgery, especially with lymph node dissection.
Choice D rationale:
This exercise is suitable for a postoperative mastectomy client as it helps in maintaining hand and arm mobility without putting excessive strain on the surgical site. It also aids in preventing complications like lymphedema, which is a potential concern after lymph node dissection.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Instructing the client to take deep breaths during the test is not appropriate for a thoracentesis. This procedure involves the insertion of a needle into the pleural space to drain fluid or air, and taking deep breaths could interfere with the accuracy and safety of the procedure.
Choice B rationale:
Assisting the client to a prone position prior to the test is also incorrect. During a thoracentesis, the client is usually seated upright or in a slightly forward-leaning position to allow better access to the pleural space and improve breathing.
Choice C rationale:
Informing the client that the new onset of a cough is expected following the test is not accurate. While a cough can be a possible side effect, it is not a common or expected outcome of a thoracentesis.
Choice D rationale:
Applying pressure to the client's puncture site after the test is complete is the correct action. This helps to prevent bleeding and reduce the risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) by promoting clot formation at the site of the needle insertion.
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