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
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Assess for Red Man Syndrome. Vancomycin can cause a reaction known as Red Man Syndrome, which is characterized by flushing and/or an erythematous rash that affects the face, neck, and upper torso. This is not an allergic reaction, but rather a direct histamine-release effect of the drug.
Choice B rationale
Assess the client’s hearing. Ototoxicity, which can manifest as hearing loss, is a potential side effect of vancomycin. Therefore, it’s important to monitor the client’s hearing during treatment.
Choice C rationale
Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG). This is not typically required when administering vancomycin. ABGs are usually drawn to assess a patient’s acid-base balance and oxygenation status, not as a routine part of vancomycin administration.
Choice D rationale
Infuse the drug over 1-2 hours. Vancomycin should be administered over at least 60 minutes to avoid skin irritation. Infusing the drug too quickly can also increase the risk of Red Man Syndrome.
Choice E rationale
Obtain an ordered trough level prior to next scheduled dose. Monitoring vancomycin trough levels is important to ensure therapeutic efficacy and to avoid toxicity. Trough levels are typically drawn just before the next dose is due.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Intermittent claudication, which involves limb pain or cramping that generally begins when exercising and improves while resting, is a common symptom in the early stages of PAD5.
Choice B rationale
Foot ulcers are not typically a symptom of the early stages of PAD. They are more likely to occur in the later stages of the disease when blood flow to the extremities is significantly reduced.
Choice C rationale
Pain at rest is not typically a symptom of the early stages of PAD. It is more likely to occur in the later stages of the disease when blood flow to the extremities is significantly reduced.
Choice D rationale
Dependent rubor is not typically a symptom of the early stages of PAD. It is more likely to occur in the later stages of the disease when blood flow to the extremities is significantly reduced.
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