If the patient PTT lab level is too long and greater than 80 seconds, the nurse should notify the doctor.
Which doctor’s order should the nurse anticipate?
Continue with the same dosage.
Hold dose.
Increase in dosage.
Decrease in dosage.
The Correct Answer is B
This is because a PTT (partial thromboplastin time) test measures how long it takes for blood to clot. A normal PTT range is between 25 to 35 seconds. If the patient’s PTT is too long and greater than 80 seconds, it means their blood is taking too long to clot and they are at risk of bleeding excessively. The nurse should notify the doctor and expect an order to hold the dose of heparin, a type of anticoagulant that prevents blood clots by prolonging the PTT.
Choice A is wrong because continuing with the same dosage of heparin would not correct the prolonged PTT and could cause more bleeding problems for the patient.
Choice C is wrong because increasing the dosage of heparin would further prolong the PTT and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice D is wrong because decreasing the dosage of heparin would not be enough to bring the PTT back to normal range and would still pose a bleeding risk for the patient.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
According to the International Society of Hypertension, lifestyle interventions are recommended for three to six months before medication in patients with grade 1 hypertension (BP < 160/100 mm Hg) and no comorbidities.Diet and exercise can lower BP by reducing weight, sodium intake, alcohol consumption, and stress levels.
Choice A is wrong because angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are not the first-line medication for hypertension in the general population.They are preferred in patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or heart failure.
Choice B is wrong because combination diuretics are not the initial recommendation for hypertension.They are used when monotherapy is not sufficient to achieve the target BP or when there is fluid retention.
Choice C is wrong because beta-adrenergic blocking agents are not the first-line medication for hypertension in the general population.They are preferred in patients with ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
The nurse should contact the provider and ask the patient if they are feeling light headed or dizzy.
Choice A is wrong because administering the medication could worsen the patient’s condition.Furosemide is a diuretic that can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and hypotension.The patient already has a low serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L, which is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.Giving furosemide could lower the potassium level further and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.The patient also has a significant drop in blood pressure from lying to sitting position, which indicates orthostatic hypotension.Giving furosemide could lower the blood pressure more and cause dizziness, fainting, or falls.
Choice D is wrong because encouraging the patient to get up quickly and walk around could also cause dizziness, fainting, or falls due to orthostatic hypotension.The patient should be advised to change positions slowly and carefully, and to avoid activities that require alertness until their blood pressure stabilizes.
Choice E is wrong because holding the medication without contacting the provider could delay the appropriate treatment for the patient’s fluid retention.The nurse should notify the provider of the patient’s vital signs, laboratory results, and symptoms, and follow their orders regarding the medication dosage or alternative therapy.
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