A nurse is reviewing laboratory data from a client who has a pulmonary embolism and is receiving IV heparin.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Patient's platelets 100,000.
Prothrombin time (PT) 12 seconds.
Thrombin time (TT) 55 seconds.
Hematocrit 35%.
The Correct Answer is A
“Patient’s platelets 100,000.” A nurse should report a low platelet count to the provider because it may indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious complication of heparin therapy.
Choice B is not correct because a Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds is within the normal range and does not need to be reported.
Choice C is not correct because Thrombin time (TT) is not typically used to monitor heparin therapy.
Choice D is not correct because a Hematocrit of 35% is within the normal range and does not need to be reported.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should administer 2 tablets of levothyroxine 50 mcg to give the client a total dose of 100 mcg.
Choice A is not the best answer because administering 1 tablet of levothyroxine 50 mcg would only give the client a total dose of 50 mcg, which is not enough.
Choice C is not the best answer because administering 3 tablets of levothyroxine 50 mcg would give the client a total dose of 150 mcg, which is too much.
Choice D is not the best answer because administering 4 tablets of levothyroxine 50 mcg would give the client a total dose of 200 mcg, which is too much.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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