A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor to assess the effectiveness of the medication?
Prothrombin time (PT)
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Platelet count
Hemoglobin level
The Correct Answer is A
Prothrombin time (PT) is a measure of how long it takes for blood to clot. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prolongs the PT and prevents blood clots from forming. The nurse should monitor the PT and adjust the warfarin dose accordingly to maintain a therapeutic range.
Incorrect choices:
b) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): aPTT is another measure of blood clotting time, but it is used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin therapy.
c) Platelet count: Platelet count is a measure of how many platelets are in the blood. Platelets are involved in blood clotting, but they are not affected by warfarin therapy.
d) Hemoglobin level: Hemoglobin level is a measure of how much oxygen-carrying protein is in the blood. Haemoglobin level can be affected by bleeding or anaemia, but it is not directly related to warfarin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Using a latex-free syringe and needle is the appropriate action to prevent an allergic reaction in a client who has a latex allergy. The nurse should also check the medication label and vial for any latex content.
Incorrect choices:
b) Apply a latex bandage over the injection site: This is incorrect as it can cause skin irritation and allergic reaction in a client who has a latex allergy.
c) Wear latex gloves during the procedure: This is incorrect as it can expose the client and the nurse to latex particles and cause an allergic reaction.
d) Dilute the medication with normal saline: This is incorrect as it can alter the concentration and effectiveness of the medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Maintaining the current oxygen flow rate is the appropriate action for the nurse to take. Clients who have COPD have chronically low oxygen saturation levels and high carbon dioxide levels due to impaired gas exchange. Increasing the oxygen flow rate can cause oxygen toxicity and suppress the respiratory drive, leading to respiratory failure. The nurse should aim to keep the oxygen saturation level between 88% and 92% for clients who have COPD.
Incorrect choices:
a) Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min: This is incorrect as it can cause oxygen toxicity and suppress the respiratory drive, leading to respiratory failure.
b) Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe: This is incorrect as it can increase the work of breathing and cause fatigue and dyspnea in clients who have COPD.
c) Administer bronchodilator medication as prescribed: This is incorrect as it does not address the immediate issue of low oxygen saturation level. Bronchodilator medication can help improve airflow and reduce airway inflammation, but it does not directly increase oxygen delivery.
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