A patient diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism is receiving a continuous Heparin infusion. Which findings should prompt the nurse to notify the healthcare provider?
The patient’s PTT is 70 seconds (control 25-40).
The patient develops ecchymosis at the venipuncture site.
The patient develops hematuria.
There is an order for Coumadin 2.5 mg to start today.
Correct Answer : A,C,D
Choice A rationale
A PTT of 70 seconds (control 25-40) indicates that the patient’s blood is taking longer than normal to clot, which could increase the risk of bleeding. This could be a sign of excessive anticoagulation from the Heparin infusion.
Choice B rationale
Ecchymosis at the venipuncture site could be a sign of bleeding under the skin, which could indicate that the patient is receiving too much Heparin.
Choice C rationale
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, could be a sign of bleeding in the urinary tract, which could be a side effect of Heparin therapy.
Choice D rationale
If there is an order for Coumadin 2.5 mg to start today, the healthcare provider should be notified. Coumadin and Heparin are both anticoagulants, and using them together could increase the risk of bleeding.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While being able to drink water through a straw without choking is a positive sign, it is not the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. The primary indicator is the return of the patient’s cough and swallowing reflexes.
Choice B rationale
The patient has intact cough and swallowing reflexes is the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. These reflexes are essential for preventing aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia.
Choice C rationale
While clear breath sounds upon auscultation are a positive sign, they are not the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. The primary indicator is the return of the patient’s cough and swallowing reflexes.
Choice D rationale
The absence of a sore throat is not the primary indicator that a patient can safely resume oral liquids after a bronchoscopy. The primary indicator is the return of the patient’s cough and swallowing reflexes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reporting the absence of spontaneous respirations is important, but it is not the priority action. The patient is on mechanical ventilation, so the absence of spontaneous respirations is expected.
Choice B rationale
Encouraging the patient to attempt to breathe on their own is not the priority action. The patient is receiving mechanical ventilation, which means they are likely unable to breathe adequately on their own.
Choice C rationale
Providing passive range-of-motion exercises is important for overall patient mobility and prevention of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the priority action in this case.
Choice D rationale
Responding to ventilator alarms is the priority action. Alarms may indicate a change in the patient’s condition or a problem with the ventilator. Immediate response is necessary to ensure the patient’s safety.
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