A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse review prior to adjusting the client's heparin?

The client is pacing around the chair in which their partner is sitting.

Rationale:

• A. The client is taking numerous deep, measured breaths. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a coping strategy to calm down and regulate emotions.
• B. The client is calmly telling their partner that "the staff here is so controlling." This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a expression of frustration or dissatisfaction with the treatment setting.
• C. The client is sitting with their head in their hands and appears to be crying. This is not an indication of potential violence, but rather a sign of sadness or distress.
• D. The client is pacing around the chair in which their partner is sitting. This is an indication of potential violence, as it shows restlessness, agitation, and possible intimidation of the partner.

Jaundice.

Rationale:

• A. Weight loss is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause weight gain, not weight loss.
• B. Jaundice is a sign of liver damage, which is a serious and potentially fatal adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can impair fatty acid metabolism and mitochondrial function, leading to hepatotoxicity and steatosis. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function tests and report any signs of jaundice, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or clay-colored stools .
• C. Bradycardia is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause cardiac arrhythmias, but they are usually tachycardic, not bradycardic.
• D. Polyuria is not a common or serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Valproic acid can cause hypernatremia and hypocalcemia, which can affect urine output, but polyuria is not a specific symptom of these electrolyte imbalances.