The practical nurse reports that a client with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was mistakenly given heparin in addition to the prescribed warfarin. Which priority action should the nurse take?
Notify the healthcare provider.
Monitor for signs of bleeding.
Complete an adverse occurrence report.
Obtain blood for coagulation studies.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason: Notifying the prescriber is essential, but it is secondary to obtaining objective data. The nurse must first secure timely laboratory results to report concrete values. Immediate notification without current coagulation data delays informed decision-making about reversal, dosing changes, or additional interventions.
Choice B Reason: Monitoring for signs of bleeding is important but not the priority action for the nurse because it does not address the cause of the problem or prevent further harm. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and urine output, as well as check for any signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae,
hematuria, hematemesis, melena, or epistaxis.
Choice C Reason: Completing an adverse occurrence report is important but not the priority action for the nurse because it does not provide immediate intervention or treatment for the client. The nurse should complete an
adverse occurrence report after notifying the healthcare provider and implementing appropriate actions. The report should include the details of the error, such as the time, dose, route, and name of the medications involved, as well as the client's response and outcome.
Choice D Reason: Rapidly measuring PT/INR and aPTT provides objective evidence of anticoagulation level after dual therapy. These results directly influence urgent clinical decisions, such as holding anticoagulants, administering reversal agents, or preparing for interventions to control bleeding, making this the highest‑priority action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because the acuity level of the clients reflects their complexity and intensity of care needs. The higher the acuity level, the more time and resources are required to provide safe and quality care. The charge nurse should consider the acuity level of the clients when determining the appropriate nurse-to-client ratio and staffing needs.
Choice B Reason: The physicians' plans to perform procedures on the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not directly affect the nursing workload or staffing requirements. The charge nurse should coordinate with the physicians and other departments to ensure that the procedures are scheduled and performed safely and efficiently.
Choice C Reason: The number of clients leaving the unit for diagnostic tests is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not indicate the level of care that the clients need or receive. The charge nurse should ensure that the clients are prepared and accompanied for their tests and that their care is continued and monitored on their return.
Choice D Reason: The skill level of the personnel staffing the unit is not the most important information for the charge nurse to consider because it does not reflect the actual demand or supply of nursing care. The charge nurse should assign and delegate tasks according to the personnel's skill level and scope of practice but also consider other factors such as client acuity, availability, and preference.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Confronting the nurse manager as a group may not be effective or appropriate, as it may create more conflict and resentment. The charge nurse should follow the chain of command and escalate the issue to a higher authority if the nurse manager fails to act.
Choice B reason: Attending procedures performed by the surgeon and demanding halting of the procedure if the client becomes distressed may be seen as insubordination and interference by the surgeon, who may have legal authority to perform the procedure. It may also jeopardize the client's safety and outcome.
Choice C reason: Documenting client reactions to invasive procedures performed by the physician in their medical record is important, but not sufficient. It does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the surgeon's lack of empathy and respect for clients' pain and dignity.
Choice D reason: Reporting the physician's lack of concern for clients' pain during invasive procedures to the Director of Nursing is the most important action for the charge nurse to take, as it may lead to an investigation and corrective measures. The Director of Nursing has more power and responsibility than the nurse manager to deal with such issues and protect clients' rights and welfare.
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