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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Lorazepam 2.5mg PO qhs before bed: This transcription suggests a fixed dose to be taken before bed (qhs = every bedtime), which does not align with the "as needed" or PRN (pro re nata) instruction for anxiety.
B. Lorazepam 2.5 mg PO QD at hs: This suggests that the medication should be taken once daily (QD) at bedtime (hs = at hour of sleep), which again is not appropriate for as-needed (PRN) use in anxiety.
C. Lorazepam 2.5 mg PO every 8 hours as needed for anxiety: This transcription correctly indicates that the lorazepam is to be taken as needed for anxiety, with a dose of 2.5 mg. However, this also suggests it can be taken every 8 hours, which is more of a standard timing than PRN use. But, it is still the most accurate option for a PRN order.
D. Lorazepam 2.50 mg PO Q 8 hours for anxiety:This prescription is incorrect because it implies the medication should be taken every 8 hours regardless of need, which conflicts with the as-needed (PRN) nature of the order.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Flumazenil is the antidote for diazepam, which is a benzodiazepine. Flumazenil is a selective antagonist that can reverse the sedative effects of benzodiazepines and is commonly used in cases of benzodiazepine overdose or to reverse sedation after procedures.
Naloxone (A) is the antidote for opioid overdose and would not be appropriate for reversing the effects of diazepam.
Atropine (B) is an anticholinergic medication used to increase heart rate and is not specific to the reversal of diazepam sedation.
Neostigmine (D) is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to reverse the effects of non-depolarizing neuromuscular blocking agents and is not indicated for reversing the effects of diazepam.
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