A nurse is preparing to administer a heparin infusion of 25,000 units in 250 mL of normal saline at a rate of 1000 units per hour for a client diagnosed with a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The client’s initial activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) value is 35 seconds.

Which laboratory result would indicate that the aPTT is at a therapeutic level?

30 seconds

45 seconds

60 seconds

75 seconds

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Step 1 is to understand the therapeutic range for aPTT when a patient is on heparin therapy. The therapeutic range for aPTT is 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value. Given that the normal aPTT value is around 30-40 seconds, the therapeutic range would be approximately 45-100 seconds. Therefore, an aPTT value of 75 seconds falls within this therapeutic range, indicating that the heparin therapy is effective.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

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.

A. Heparin makes the blood less thick and easier to flow. B. Heparin dissolves the clot and decreases the formation of platelets. C. Heparin does not thin the blood; it prevents new clots from forming. D. Heparin decreases the number of platelets so the blood flows more easily.

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.

View Question and Answer

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

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 trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. What information should the nurse include in the teaching about this medication?

The nurse is evaluating the patient’s response to antibiotic therapy. Which data would indicate that the medication has been effective?

A patient is recovering from an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis and reports feeling “anxious, shaky, and sweaty.”. What should be the nurse’s initial action?

The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of chronic peripheral arterial disease. Which statement by the patient warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

The physician has just informed a patient that they have breast cancer and will require a mastectomy. The nurse finds that the patient is crying. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A nurse is caring for a patient who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD). What symptoms should the nurse expect to find in the early stage of the disease?

The nurse is providing teaching to a client who is being discharged with a prescription for warfarin. Which information should be included in the teaching for this medication?