A patient with diabetic peripheral neuropathy has been taking pregabalin for the past four days. Which finding would indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?

Choice A rationale

Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that prevents the formation of blood clots. One of the most common and serious side effects of heparin therapy is bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to observe for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, hematomas, black tarry stools, hematuria, and changes in mental status. Regular laboratory monitoring of the client’s coagulation status, specifically the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), is also necessary to ensure therapeutic levels of heparin without causing excessive bleeding.

Choice B rationale

While mobilization can help prevent the formation of new clots, it is not the most important intervention for a client who is already on a heparin protocol for DVT. Mobilization can potentially dislodge the existing clot, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Choice C rationale

Although it is important to monitor vital signs in all clients, assessing blood pressure and heart rate every 4 hours is not the most important intervention for a client on a heparin protocol.

Changes in blood pressure and heart rate are not specific to heparin therapy and do not provide direct information about the effectiveness or side effects of the medication.

Choice D rationale

Measuring each calf’s girth can help evaluate the progression of edema in the affected leg, but it is not the most important intervention for a client on a heparin protocol. While it can provide information about the local effects of the DVT, it does not address the systemic anticoagulation effects of heparin therapy.

The correct answer is choiceB. Confirm that the gown is tied securely at the neck and waist.

Choice A rationale:

Reminding the UAP to wash hands frequently while in the room is important for infection control, but it is not the immediate priority in this scenario. The UAP has already donned gloves, which are part of the personal protective equipment (PPE) required for contact precautions. Hand hygiene is crucial before and after patient contact and after removing gloves, but ensuring the gown is properly secured takes precedence to prevent contamination.

Choice B rationale:

Confirming that the gown is tied securely at the neck and waist is essential to ensure that the UAP is fully protected from potential contamination.A properly secured gown prevents the UAP’s clothing from coming into contact with the patient or contaminated surfaces, which is critical in maintaining effective contact precautions.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the UAP with the application of a face mask or face shield is necessary for droplet or airborne precautions, not specifically for contact precautions.Since the scenario involves contact precautions, the focus should be on the gown and gloves.

Choice D rationale:

Helping the UAP reposition the gown sleeve over the glove edges is not necessary because the UAP has already secured the tops of the gloves over the gown sleeves.This method is appropriate as it prevents the sleeves from becoming contaminated.