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 A
Choice A Reason: This is the correct answer because the nurse should immediately inform the healthcare provider of the medication error and the client's condition. The healthcare provider may order antidotes, such as protamine sulfate for heparin and vitamin K for warfarin, to reverse the anticoagulant effects and prevent bleeding complications.
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: Obtaining blood for coagulation studies 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 obtain blood
samples for coagulation studies, such as prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), after notifying the healthcare provider and following their orders. The results of these tests can help determine the extent of anticoagulation and guide further therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Demonstrating the proper use of personal protective equipment is important, but not the first action. The charge nurse should first assess the UAP's level of understanding and address any misconceptions or fears about HIV transmission.
Choice B reason: Offering to assist the UAP with the collection of the specimen may be helpful, but not the first action. The charge nurse should first educate the UAP about HIV transmission and infection control measures, and then evaluate the UAP's competence and confidence in performing the task.
Choice C reason: Providing the UAP with the infection control policy is relevant, but not the first action. The charge nurse should first explain the rationale and principles of infection control to the UAP, and then refer to the policy as a guideline and resource.
Choice D reason: Determining the UAP's knowledge about HIV transmission is the first and most appropriate action for the charge nurse to take, as it will help identify any gaps or misinformation that may cause fear or anxiety in the UAP. The charge nurse should then provide accurate and evidence-based information about HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment, and answer any questions or concerns that the UAP may have.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Waiting until the end of the second week to see if the orientee is able to complete her assignments is not the best action for the charge nurse to take. This would delay providing feedback and support to the orientee, who may feel frustrated and discouraged by her performance. The charge nurse should intervene as soon as possible to help the orientee improve her skills and confidence.
Choice B Reason: Assigning the orientee to work with an experienced nurse who is a long-time, efficient employee is the best action for the charge nurse to take. This would provide the orientee with a role model and a mentor who can guide her through the daily tasks, share tips and tricks, and offer constructive feedback and encouragement. The orientee would benefit from learning from someone who has mastered the workflow and expectations of the unit.
Choice C Reason: Informing the supervisor that for client safety this nurse should be assigned to a slower-paced unit is not the best action for the charge nurse to take. This would imply that the orientee is incompetent and unsuitable for the unit, which may damage her self-esteem and motivation. The charge nurse should first try to help the orientee adjust to the unit and develop her competencies before considering a transfer.
Choice D Reason: Talking to the orientee and asking her if she has considered working in a less stressful environment is not the best action for the charge nurse to take. This would suggest that the charge nurse has given up on the orientee and does not believe in her potential. The charge nurse should first try to understand the challenges and needs of the orientee and provide appropriate guidance and support before suggesting alternative career options.
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