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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should include lightheadedness as an adverse effect in the teaching for a client who has a new prescription for atenolol. Atenolol is a beta-blocker medication used to treat various conditions, including hypertension and certain heart conditions. One of the common side effects of beta-blockers is orthostatic hypotension, which can cause lightheadedness or dizziness when the client stands up from a sitting or lying position.
Let's go through the other options:
B. Tachycardia: Tachycardia is not an adverse effect of atenolol. In fact, atenolol is used to treat tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate.
C. Dry mouth: Dry mouth is not a typical adverse effect of atenolol. Dry mouth is more commonly associated with anticholinergic medications rather than beta-blockers like atenolol.
D. Bronchodilation: Bronchodilation is not an adverse effect of atenolol. In contrast, atenolol can cause bronchoconstriction (narrowing of the airways) in some individuals, particularly those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When providing discharge teaching to a client with a prescription for enoxaparin, the nurse should include the instruction to expel the air bubble prior to injecting the medication. Enoxaparin is a type of anticoagulant medication that is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
A. Insert the needle at a 45 angle: Enoxaparin is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection, where the needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle (straight into the skin). A 45-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections, but it is not appropriate for enoxaparin administration.
B. Inject the medication into a muscle: Enoxaparin is not intended to be injected into a muscle. It is a low-molecular-weight heparin designed for subcutaneous administration, meaning it is injected just below the skin into the fatty tissue.
C. Rub the injection site following administration: Rubbing the injection site after administering enoxaparin or any other subcutaneous medication is not recommended. Rubbing the site can cause irritation and bruising. Instead, the nurse should apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or gauze pad for a few seconds after the injection to help minimize bleeding.
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