A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is to start subcutaneous heparin.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Inject the medication deep into the thigh muscle.
Expect stools to become black and tarry.
Easy bruising indicates the medication is effective.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should include in the teaching that the client should use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Heparin is an anticoagulant that decreases the clotting ability of the blood 1.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent bleeding of the gums while brushing teeth.
Choice B is incorrect because heparin should not be injected deep into the thigh muscle.
Instead, it should be given subcutaneously (under the skin) 2.
Choice C is incorrect because black and tarry stools are not an expected side effect of heparin.
Choice D is incorrect because easy bruising does not indicate that the medication is effective.
Instead, easy bruising may be a side effect of heparin and should be reported to the healthcare provider 1.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should administer 2 tablets.
Since each tablet contains 1.5 mg of dexamethasone, to administer a dose of 3 mg, the nurse should give 3 mg / 1.5 mg/tablet = 2 tablets.
Choice A is incorrect because 1 tablet would only provide a dose of 1.5 mg.
Choice C is incorrect because 3 tablets would provide a dose of 4.5 mg.
Choice D is incorrect because 4 tablets would provide a dose of 6 mg.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Protamine sulfate is a medication that can be used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin1.
It is a polycationic protein drug obtained from the sperm of fish and is used to reverse the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH)2.
Choice B, Deferoxamine, is not the correct answer because it is a medication used to treat iron overload, not to reverse heparin’s effects.
Choice C, Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, is not the correct answer because it is a medication used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, not to reverse heparin’s effects.
Choice D, Acetylcysteine, is not the correct answer because it is a medication used to treat acetaminophen overdose and to loosen thick mucus in individuals with cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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