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.
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
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Apixaban (Eliquis) is a blood thinner that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger.
It is used to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the legs.
It can also prevent pulmonary embolism (PE), a condition in which a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing breathing problems.
Patients taking apixaban should follow these instructions:
• Avoid activities that may cause injury.
Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding, so patients should be careful not to cut or bruise themselves.
They should use a soft toothbrush, an electric razor, and avoid contact sports or other activities that may cause bleeding.They should also wear a medical alert bracelet or carry an identification card that states they are taking apixaban.
• Report signs and symptoms of bleeding immediately.Patients should notify their doctor or seek emergency care if they have any signs of bleeding, such as unusual bruising, red or black stools, blood in the urine, coughing up blood, vomiting blood, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, headaches, dizziness, weakness, or swelling.
• Do not take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
These drugs can also increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with the effects of apixaban.
Patients should avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs unless prescribed by their doctor.They should also check the labels of any over-the-counter medications or supplements they use and avoid those that contain aspirin or NSAIDs.
Choice B and D are wrong because:
• Take medication with food.Apixaban can be taken with or without food.Taking it with food does not affect its absorption or efficacy.
Therefore, this instruction is not necessary for patients taking apixaban.
• Monitor vital signs regularly.Apixaban does not affect blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation.
Therefore, monitoring vital signs regularly is not required for patients taking apixaban.However, patients should still follow their doctor’s advice on how often to check their blood tests, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
This is because alteplase [Activase] is a thrombolytic drug that dissolves blood clots and can cause bleeding complications, especially intracranial hemorrhage.Neurologic assessment is essential to detect any signs of bleeding in the brain, such as altered level of consciousness, headache, or focal deficits.
Choice A is wrong because applying pressure to needleless access sites after giving medications is a standard precaution to prevent bleeding and infection.It is not specific to alteplase [Activase] therapy.
Choice C is wrong because administering heparin when partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is less than 70 seconds is not recommended for patients who have received alteplase [Activase].
Heparin is an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding and should be used with caution in patients who have received thrombolytic therapy.The PTT should be monitored closely and heparin should be withheld if the PTT is above the therapeutic range.
Choice D is wrong because giving aspirin when platelet count is greater than 150,000/mm3 is not indicated for patients who have received alteplase [Activase].
Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that can also increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided in patients who have received thrombolytic therapy.
The platelet count should be monitored closely and aspirin should be withheld if the platelet count is below the normal range (150,000 to 450,000/mm3).
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