A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion for treatment of venous thrombosis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for in order to titrate the heparin dose?
Platelet function assay
aPTT
INR
Amylase
The Correct Answer is B
When caring for a client receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion for the treatment of venous thrombosis, the nurse should monitor the client's aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) to titrate the heparin dose.
Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent and treat blood clots. The aPTT is a coagulation test that measures the time it takes for the blood to clot when a specific activator is added. Monitoring the aPTT is a standard method for assessing the anticoagulant effect of heparin and ensuring that the client's blood remains within the desired therapeutic range.
The therapeutic range for aPTT while on heparin therapy varies depending on the indication and the client's condition but is generally maintained at a level that prolongs the clotting time enough to prevent and treat thrombosis while avoiding excessive bleeding risk.
Let's go through the other options:
A. Platelet function assay: While monitoring platelet function is essential for assessing overall hemostasis and platelet function, it is not specifically used for titrating heparin doses. Platelet function assays are more commonly used to assess the function of platelets in the context of platelet disorders or antiplatelet medication therapy.
C. INR (International Normalized Ratio): The INR is used to monitor the effect of vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants, such as warfarin, and is not the appropriate test for monitoring heparin therapy.
D. Amylase: Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands and is not relevant for monitoring heparin therapy. Elevated amylase levels are typically associated with pancreatitis and not related to heparin treatment.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
The nurse should plan to take the following actions:
A.Verify the prescription: Before administering any medication, the nurse must verify the prescription to ensure accuracy, appropriateness, and that it matches the provider's order.
Regarding option B, administering the medication at 1000, 1400, 1800, and 2200 may not be appropriate. The prescription states that ampicillin should be administered every 6 hours. The nurse should administer the medication at equally spaced intervals throughout the day. If the medication is prescribed every 6 hours, the appropriate administration times would be 0600, 1200, 1800, and 2400. However, the question does not provide sufficient information to determine the exact administration times, so option B cannot be definitively selected.
C. Assess the client for an allergy to penicillin: Since ampicillin is a penicillin-class antibiotic, it is essential for the nurse to assess the client for any history of allergies to penicillin or other beta-lactam antibiotics. A penicillin allergy could lead to a severe allergic reaction, so it is crucial to identify any potential allergies before administering the medication.
D. Document giving the medications: After administering the ampicillin, the nurse should document the administration in the client's medical record, including the time, dose, route, and any relevant observations or assessments.
E. Obtain a sputum for culture and sensitivity: The client's new prescription for ampicillin may be related to an infection. To ensure appropriate and effective treatment, obtaining a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity is necessary. This will help identify the specific bacteria causing the respiratory infection and determine which antibiotics will be most effective in treating it.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should include the statement that rifampin can cause the client's urine to turn orange. Rifampin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. One of its common side effects is discoloration of bodily fluids, including urine, saliva, sweat, and tears. This discoloration is harmless and is not a cause for concern. Informing the client about this side effect helps prevent unnecessary worry or alarm.
"You should take this medication with food" (B) is not specifically related to rifampin. However, taking rifampin with food can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as stomach upset or nausea.
"This medication can cause insomnia" (C) is not a common side effect of rifampin. Insomnia is more commonly associated with certain other medications or medical conditions.
"You should take a stool softener with this medication" (D) is not necessary for rifampin. Stool softeners are typically used to alleviate constipation, but rifampin does not commonly cause constipation as a side effect.
Therefore, the nurse should primarily include the statement that rifampin can cause the client's urine to turn orange.
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