A nurse is reviewing laboratory data from a client who has pulmonary embolism and is receiving IV heparin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Platelets 74,000/mm3

White blood cell count 8,000/mm3

Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 55 seconds

Hematocrit 45%

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Platelets 74,000/mm: A platelet count of 74,000/mm³ is significantly lower than the normal range (typically 150,000 to 450,000/mm³). This could indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious adverse effect of heparin therapy where the immune system forms antibodies against heparin bound to platelet factor 4, leading to a decrease in platelets and increased risk of thrombosis. This is a critical finding and should be reported immediately to the provider for further evaluation and potential adjustment of the treatment plan.

B. White blood cell count 8,000/mm³: This is within the normal range (typically 4,000 to 11,000/mm³) and does not indicate an immediate problem related to heparin therapy or pulmonary embolism management.

C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 55 seconds: While slightly elevated, this PTT is within the therapeutic range for a patient receiving IV heparin (typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal control value, or about 45 to 70 seconds). This indicates that the heparin is having the desired anticoagulant effect.

D. Hematocrit 45%: This is within the normal range for adults (typically 38-50% for men and 35-45% for women) and does not indicate an immediate concern related to heparin therapy or pulmonary embolism.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act): This act sets the groundwork for food and drug regulations, but it's not the specific legislation governing dietary supplements. While FD&C Act applies to some aspects of supplements, DSHEA has more specific regulations.

B. Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO): This organization focuses on accrediting healthcare facilities, not regulating supplements.

C. Health and Human Services (HHS): HHS is a broad department encompassing various healthcare agencies, but DSHEA is the specific act within HHS that governs supplements.

D. Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA): This 1994 act specifically addresses dietary supplements, outlining regulations for labeling, manufacturing, and marketing. It places the responsibility for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of supplements on the manufacturers, unlike prescription drugs approved by the FDA.

A. Labeling is not always reliable and herbal products should be used with caution. B. Herbal products are approved under strict FDA regulations. C. There are so few side effects, and they can be purchased without a prescription. D. The manufacturer has repeatedly demonstrated effectiveness.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Labeling is not always reliable and herbal products should be used with caution. Herbal products are not subject to the same rigorous regulations and testing as pharmaceutical drugs. Therefore, their labeling may not always be accurate or comprehensive. Patients need to be aware of potential risks, interactions, and variations in potency associated with herbal products. Education helps patients make informed decisions and use these products safely.

B. Herbal products are approved under strict FDA regulations. This statement is false. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, herbal products are regulated as dietary supplements in the United States and are not subject to the same level of scrutiny and approval processes by the FDA. While the FDA regulates the manufacturing and labeling of dietary supplements, including herbal products, the standards are not as strict as those for prescription or over-the-counter medications.

C. There are so few side effects, and they can be purchased without a prescription. This statement is misleading and potentially dangerous. Herbal products can indeed have side effects and interactions with medications, and their safety profiles vary widely. Additionally, the availability of herbal products without a prescription does not necessarily imply safety. Patients need education to understand potential risks and benefits associated with herbal product use.

D. The manufacturer has repeatedly demonstrated effectiveness. This statement is unsubstantiated and may not be true for all herbal products. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, herbal products often lack extensive scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness for specific indications. While some manufacturers may conduct studies to support their products' efficacy, the evidence may be limited or inconclusive. Patients need education to critically evaluate claims of effectiveness and make informed decisions about herbal product use.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is reviewing laboratory data from a client who has pulmonary embolism and is receiving IV heparin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When asked if there are any regulatory controls on herbal or dietary supplements, the nurse responds to the client by informing him that herbal and dietary supplements are regulated by the:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

It is important that nurses ensure that their patients receive education regarding herbal products because:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

The patient requests information on alternative treatments for her arthritis. The nurse provides the patient with information on which of the following supplements?

Which of the following clump and adhere to the wall of the injured blood vessel to begin the process of hemostasis?

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client and realizes the liver function tests are elevated, indicating liver damage. The client should be monitored for which potential complication?

A patient has started taking clopidogrel (Plavix) after experiencing a transient ischemic attack. What adverse effects are associated with this drug? (Select all that apply)

A client taking warfarin (Coumadin) should be instructed to avoid herbal supplements such as green tea, ginkgo, feverfew, garlic, and ginger because these could:

Unlike heparin, the anticoagulant activity of warfarin can take several to reach its maximum effect.

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. The nurse should use the results of which of the following diagnostic tests to monitor the effect of this therapy?