The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis who suddenly becomes short of breath, anxious, and restless.

The vital signs are: heart rate 130 beats/minute, respirations 42/minute, blood pressure 90/50, and pulse oximetry is 90%. An intravenous infusion of normal saline is running at 75ml/hr. The nurse elevates the head of the bed and applies nasal oxygen at 2L/min.

What action should the nurse take next?

Administer the PRN antianxiety medication.

Call the rapid response team.

Increase the intravenous infusion rate.

Prepare for mechanical ventilation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale

Administering the PRN antianxiety medication is not the most appropriate next step. The client’s symptoms—shortness of breath, anxiety, restlessness, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and decreased oxygen saturation—are indicative of a potential pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis. While anxiety can be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism, treating it without addressing the underlying cause could delay necessary medical intervention.

Choice B rationale

Calling the rapid response team is the most appropriate next step. The client’s symptoms suggest a potential pulmonary embolism, a serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The rapid response team can provide the necessary urgent care.

Choice C rationale

Increasing the intravenous infusion rate is not the most appropriate next step. While hydration is important, it would not address the immediate life-threatening situation. The client’s symptoms suggest a potential pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate medical intervention.

Choice D rationale

Preparing for mechanical ventilation is not the most appropriate next step. While the client’s decreased oxygen saturation and increased respiratory rate suggest respiratory distress, the priority should be to address the potential pulmonary embolism. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary later depending on the client’s response to treatment.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Heparin does not actually thin the blood or make it less thick. Instead, it works by increasing the activity of antithrombin, a protein that inhibits blood clotting. This prevents new clots from forming and existing clots from growing larger.

Choice B rationale

Heparin does not dissolve clots or decrease the formation of platelets. Its primary action is to increase the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa, two key players in the blood clotting process.

Choice C rationale

This statement is accurate. Heparin does not thin the blood; instead, it prevents new clots from forming and existing clots from growing larger. It does this by increasing the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa.

Choice D rationale

Heparin does not decrease the number of platelets or make the blood flow more easily. Its primary action is to increase the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa.

A. Smaller doses of both drugs can be used with this method. B. This combination facilitates the thrombolysis more quickly. C. The heparin provides anticoagulation until the warfarin becomes effective. D. This combination provides immediate anticoagulation.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While it might seem that smaller doses of both drugs could be used when they are prescribed together, this is not the primary reason for using heparin and warfarin together. Both drugs have different mechanisms of action and are used for their unique therapeutic effects.

Choice B rationale

The combination of heparin and warfarin does not facilitate thrombolysis more quickly. Thrombolysis is the process of breaking down clots, and while these medications can prevent the formation of new clots, they do not actively break down existing ones.

Choice C rationale

Heparin and warfarin are often used together in the treatment of thrombophlebitis because they provide different benefits. Heparin acts quickly to prevent further clotting and allows the body to naturally break down existing clots. Warfarin, on the other hand, takes several days to become effective. Therefore, heparin is used to provide immediate anticoagulation until the warfarin becomes effective.

Choice D rationale

While it’s true that the combination of heparin and warfarin provides immediate anticoagulation, this is primarily due to the action of heparin. Warfarin takes several days to become effective, so it does not contribute to the immediate anticoagulant effect.

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Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis asks the nurse, “How does this blood thinner heparin work?” Which response is most accurate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

A client is receiving heparin sodium 1000 units per hour via an infusion and warfarin sodium 2.5 mg PO for thrombophlebitis in the left leg. The nurse educates the client that heparin and warfarin are prescribed together because:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

The nurse is teaching an adult patient with Type 1 diabetes that a primary cause of the development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is:

The nurse identifies the problem of Fluid Volume Excess for a patient. Which assessment finding validates this problem?

The nurse is caring for a client who is being evaluated for possible deep vein thrombosis of the right extremity. Which laboratory result is of most concern to the nurse?

Which clinical manifestation should the nurse anticipate as an expected finding for a client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

A Type 1 diabetic client with a morning (fasting) glucose of 260 mg/dL has been diagnosed with the Somogyi effect from insulin administration. What intervention should the nurse anticipate including in the plan of care?

The client newly diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is to be discharged in the morning and has received no instruction on diabetes. What should be the nurse’s teaching priority?

A patient diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease is being educated about the benefits of walking for exercise. What information should the nurse emphasize?

A nurse gives a client 10 units of insulin lispro at 0630. When should the client have breakfast?