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A patient is ordered to start an IV continuous Heparin drip. Prior to starting the medication, the nurse would ensure what information is gathered correctly before initiating the drip? Select all that apply: *.

Vital signs

Weight

PT/INR level

EKG

aPTT level.

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : B,E

The nurse would need to know the patient’s weight and aPTT level before starting the IV continuous Heparin drip.

Here is why:

• Weight: Heparin dosing is based on the patient’s weight, so the nurse would want to make sure the documented weight of the patient is current and accurate. The initial bolus and infusion rate are calculated using the patient’s weight in kilograms.

• aPTT: Heparin works by enhancing the activation of antithrombin III, which prevents the activation of thrombin and the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Heparin affects the intrinsic pathway of clotting, and its therapeutic effect is monitored by measuring the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). The normal range for aPTT is about 30-40 seconds, and the therapeutic range for Heparin is 1.5-2.5 times the normal value. The nurse would need to check the baseline aPTT before starting the drip, and then collect an aPTT level every 6 hours per protocol to adjust the infusion rate as needed.

The other choices are wrong because:

• Vital signs: Although vital signs are important to monitor for any patient, they are not specific to Heparin therapy. Heparin does not affect blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, or temperature directly.

• PT/INR: These are coagulation tests that measure the extrinsic pathway of clotting, which is affected by Vitamin K antagonists such as Warfarin. Heparin does not affect the PT/INR levels, so they are not relevant for Heparin therapy.

• EKG: An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart. It can help diagnose cardiac arrhythmias, ischemia, infarction, electrolyte imbalances, and other cardiac conditions.

Heparin does not affect the electrical conduction of the heart, so an EKG is not necessary before starting Heparin therapy

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that inhibits thrombin, a key enzyme in the coagulation cascade.

Dabigatran prolongs the aPTT, which is a measure of the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation.The aPTT can be used to monitor the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran, although routine monitoring is not required.

Choice A) Prothrombin time (PT) is wrong because PT measures the extrinsic and common pathways of coagulation, which are not affected by dabigatran.

PT is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not dabigatran.

Choice B) International normalized ratio (INR) is wrong because INR is a standardized version of PT that is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not dabigatran.

INR is not affected by dabigatran.

Choice D) Platelet count is wrong because platelet count is a measure of the number of platelets in the blood, which are involved in primary hemostasis.

Platelet count is not affected by dabigatran, which acts on secondary hemostasis.

Normal ranges for these tests are:

• aPTT: 25 to 35 seconds

• PT: 11 to 13.5 seconds

• INR: 0.8 to 1.2

• Platelet count: 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood

A. Ibuprofen B. Naproxen C. Acetaminophen D. Aspirin.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever.The nurse will recommend acetaminophen, which is the safest pain reliever while taking warfarin.Acetaminophen does not interfere with the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and does not increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice A is wrong because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and increase the likelihood of harmful bleeding.

NSAIDs can also cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong because naproxen is another NSAID that has the same risks as ibuprofen.

Naproxen should be avoided by patients taking warfarin.

Choice D is wrong because aspirin is also an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.

Aspirin can also cause stomach irritation, ulcers, and allergic reactions.

The normal range for INR is 2 to 3 for patients with atrial fibrillation who are taking warfarin.

An INR of 2.5 indicates that the patient’s blood is taking longer to clot than normal, but not too long.

The patient should have regular blood tests to monitor their INR and adjust their warfarin dose if needed.

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A patient is ordered to start an IV continuous Heparin drip. Prior to starting the medication, the nurse would ensure what information is gathered correctly before initiating the drip? Select all that apply: *.

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient has been prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Which laboratory test should be monitored while on this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient who has atrial fibrillation is taking warfarin and has an INR of 2.5.The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever.The nurse will recommend which medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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