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 B
Explanation
Lifestyle is the greatest contributing factor that can lead to many diseases, especially noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are responsible for 74% of all deaths worldwide, and they share four major risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets.These modifiable behaviours increase the risk of metabolic risk factors such as raised blood pressure, increased blood glucose, elevated blood lipids and obesity, which can lead to NCDs.
Choice A is wrong because trauma is not a factor that can lead to many diseases, but rather a result of injuries or accidents that damage the body.Trauma can cause acute or chronic conditions, such as infections, bleeding, fractures, organ failure or post-traumatic stress disorder, but it is not a common cause of NCDs.
Choice C is wrong because congenital means present at birth or inherited.
Congenital diseases are caused by genetic mutations or environmental factors that affect the development of the fetus.
Some examples of congenital diseases are Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, congenital heart defects and spina bifida.
Congenital diseases are not the greatest contributing factor to many diseases because they are relatively rare and often detected early.
Choice D is wrong because genetics refers to the inherited traits from parents that influence the risk of developing certain diseases.
Genetics can play a role in some NCDs, such as cancers, diabetes and some cardiovascular diseases, but it is not the only or the most important factor.
Genetics interacts with environmental and lifestyle factors to determine the likelihood of developing a disease.
Therefore, genetics alone cannot lead to many diseases.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D: Headache.
Choice A rationale: Nausea is not a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Nausea may occur in some patients, but it is usually mild and transient.Nausea may be related to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, which can cause hypotension and reflex tachycardia1. Nausea may also be caused by other factors, such as anxiety, stress, or food intolerance.Nausea is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose2.
Choice B rationale: Bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually defined as less than 60 beats per minute.Bradycardia may occur in some patients who take nitroglycerin, especially in combination with other drugs that affect the heart rate, such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or digoxin3. Bradycardia may also be caused by other factors, such as vagal stimulation, hypothyroidism, or electrolyte imbalance.Bradycardia is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose2.
Choice C rationale: Hypertension is not a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin. Hypertension is a high blood pressure, usually defined as more than 140/90 mmHg.Hypertension may occur in some patients who take nitroglycerin, especially in those who have a history of hypertension, renal impairment, or volume overload4. Hypertension may also be caused by other factors, such as stress, pain, or caffeine intake.Hypertension is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose2.
Choice D rationale: Headache is a common adverse effect of sublingual nitroglycerin.Headache may occur in up to 80% of patients who take nitroglycerin, especially during the first few days of therapy or after an increase in dose5. Headache may be related to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, which can cause cerebral vasodilation and increased intracranial pressure. Headache may also be caused by other factors, such as dehydration, sinusitis, or migraine. Headache is usually mild to moderate in intensity and can be relieved by analgesics, such as acetaminophen or aspirin.Headache is not a specific indicator of nitroglycerin toxicity or overdose
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