A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of heparin therapy?

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Prothrombin time (PT)

International normalized ratio (INR)

Platelet count

Hemoglobin.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is choice A) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). This is because aPTT is the most commonly used laboratory test to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin therapy.

Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the formation of thrombin and fibrin, which are essential for blood clotting. Heparin therapy is indicated for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis.

Choice B) Prothrombin time (PT) is wrong because PT is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.

Warfarin is another anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Warfarin therapy is also indicated for the treatment of DVT, but it has a different mechanism of action and monitoring than heparin therapy.

Choice C) International normalized ratio (INR) is wrong because INR is a standardized way of reporting PT results that accounts for the variability of different laboratory methods. INR is also used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.

Choice D) Platelet count is wrong because platelet count is not directly affected by heparin therapy. However, platelet count should be monitored periodically in patients receiving heparin therapy to detect heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which is a rare but serious complication of heparin therapy that causes a drop in platelet count and an increased risk of thrombosis.

Choice E) Hemoglobin is wrong because hemoglobin is not directly affected by heparin therapy. However, hemoglobin should be monitored periodically in patients receiving heparin therapy to detect bleeding complications, which are the most common adverse effects of heparin therapy.

The normal range for aPTT is 25 to 35 seconds, but the therapeutic range for heparin therapy is usually 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal range, depending on the indication and protocol.

The normal range for PT is 11 to 13 seconds, and the therapeutic range for warfarin therapy is usually an INR of 2 to 3, depending on the indication and protocol

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces the production of stomach acid.

Dabigatran is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots from forming.

Both drugs can increase the risk of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, especially in clients with peptic ulcer disease.Therefore, they should not be used together unless absolutely necessary.

Choice B. Ranitidine is wrong because ranitidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) that also reduces the production of stomach acid, but to a lesser extent than PPIs.Ranitidine does not interact significantly with dabigatran and does not increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice C. Sucralfate is wrong because sucralfate is a mucosal protectant that forms a barrier over ulcers and protects them from acid and enzymes.Sucralfate does not affect the coagulation system and does not increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice D. Misoprostol is wrong because misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin that inhibits gastric acid secretion and increases bicarbonate and mucus production.

Misoprostol is used to prevent ulcers in clients who take NSAIDs, which can cause ulcers and bleeding.

Misoprostol does not interact with dabigatran and does not increase the risk of bleeding.

A. A 55-year-old male patient who is post-op day 1 from brain surgery. B. A 45-year-old female patient with a pulmonary embolism. C. A 36-year-old male patient with active peptic ulcer disease. D. A 43-year-old female with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation.

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits blood clotting and prevents harmful clots from forming in blood vessels.However, heparin can also cause some serious side effects, such as bleeding, bruising, low platelet count, allergic reactions, and osteoporosis.

Therefore, patients who are at a high risk for developing these adverse effects should be monitored closely and have their heparin dose adjusted accordingly.

Choice A is correct because a patient who is post-op day 1 from brain surgery has a high risk of bleeding from the surgical site or intracranially.Heparin can increase this risk and cause life-threatening hemorrhage.

Therefore, this patient should not receive heparin unless absolutely necessary and under strict supervision.

Choice B is wrong because a patient with a pulmonary embolism (PE) is a candidate for heparin therapy.

A PE is a blood clot that blocks the blood flow to the lungs and can cause respiratory failure and death.Heparin can prevent the clot from becoming larger and causing more damage, and also prevent new clots from forming.

Therefore, this patient would benefit from heparin therapy and is not at a high risk of adverse effects.

Choice C is correct because a patient with active peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has a high risk of bleeding from the stomach or duodenum.

PUD is a condition where the lining of the digestive tract is eroded by stomach acid and bacteria.Heparin can worsen this condition and cause ulcer bleeding or perforation.

Therefore, this patient should avoid heparin therapy unless absolutely necessary and under strict supervision.

Choice D is wrong because a patient with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation (AF) is a candidate for heparin therapy.

AF is an irregular heartbeat that can cause blood clots to form in the heart chambers and travel to other organs, such as the brain or lungs.Heparin can prevent these clots from forming and reduce the risk of stroke or PE.

Therefore, this patient would benefit from heparin therapy and is not at a high risk of adverse effects.

Normal ranges of heparin depend on the type of heparin used (unfractionated heparin or low molecular weight heparin), the method of administration (intravenous or subcutaneous), and the indication for use (prophylaxis or treatment).Generally, the therapeutic range for heparin level is 0.3 - 0.7 U/mL, measured by anti-Xa assay.However, this range may vary depending on the pregnancy stage and the type of heparin used.The dose of heparin should be individualized according to the results of suitable laboratory tests and clinical response.

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A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of heparin therapy?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reviewing the medication list of a client who is prescribed dabigatran and has a history of peptic ulcer disease. The nurse should recognize that which of the following medications can increase the risk of bleeding in this client?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which patients below would be at a HIGH risk for developing adverse effects of Heparin drug therapy? Select all that apply:

Correct Answer is ["A","C"]

Explanation

A patient is ordered to start an IV continuous Heparin drip. Prior to starting the medication, the nurse would ensure what information is gathered correctly before initiating the drip? Select all that apply: *.

A nurse is caring for a client who has variant angina and is prescribed verapamil. Which of the following are expected outcomes of this medication? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for bivalirudin about potential adverse effects of the drug. Which of the following effects should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of heparin therapy?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has received alteplase [Activase]. It is most important for the nurse to take which action?

A patient has been prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Which laboratory test should be monitored while on this medication?

A client has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in patient teaching? Select all that apply.