Which serum laboratory test is most important for the nurse to monitor when administering enoxaparin to a client?
Protein and albumin.
Complete blood count (CBC).
BUN and creatinine.
Electrolytes.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Protein and albumin reflect nutritional or liver status but are unaffected by enoxaparin, a low-molecular-weight heparin inhibiting factor Xa. These do not monitor anticoagulation effects or complications like bleeding. CBC is critical, as enoxaparin increases bleeding risk, requiring platelet and hemoglobin monitoring to detect serious hematological issues.
Choice B reason: Enoxaparin, an anticoagulant, heightens bleeding risk and can cause thrombocytopenia. Monitoring CBC, especially platelets and hemoglobin, detects heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or hemorrhage. This ensures early identification of complications, allowing timely intervention to prevent severe bleeding or thrombosis, making CBC the most critical test for safe administration.
Choice C reason: BUN and creatinine assess renal function, relevant for renally cleared drugs, but enoxaparin is primarily liver-metabolized. Renal monitoring is secondary unless severe impairment exists. CBC is more urgent, as enoxaparin’s anticoagulant effect increases bleeding risk, necessitating hematological surveillance to prevent life-threatening complications.
Choice D reason: Electrolytes like potassium or sodium are not directly affected by enoxaparin’s action on the coagulation cascade. Imbalances may occur in critical illness but are not primary concerns. CBC monitoring for bleeding or thrombocytopenia is critical, as enoxaparin’s anti-Xa activity poses hematological risks requiring immediate attention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Positioning right lateral with head elevation may shift fluid but does not restore drain suction. Compressing the bulb creates negative pressure, promoting drainage. Positioning is less effective, per surgical drain management and postoperative care standards in nursing practice.
Choice B reason: Compressing the bulb with the tab open, then reinserting it, restores negative pressure, enhancing drainage in the surgical drain. This ensures fluid removal, preventing hematoma or infection, per evidence-based surgical drain management and postoperative care protocols in nursing practice.
Choice C reason: Irrigating the drain with saline risks infection and is not standard for low drainage. Compressing the bulb restores suction, promoting drainage safely. Irrigation is inappropriate, per surgical drain management and infection control standards in postoperative nursing care.
Choice D reason: Reinforcing dressings and assessing drainage addresses symptoms, not the cause of low drainage. Compressing the bulb restores suction, increasing drainage effectively. Dressings are secondary, per surgical drain management and postoperative wound care protocols in nursing practice.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Going to the ER for glucose is unnecessary unless hypoglycemia or ketoacidosis is confirmed. Type 1 diabetes with nausea risks hyperglycemia from stress hormones like cortisol. Monitoring glucose and fluids manages the condition at home, preventing escalation unless severe symptoms arise, making this instruction premature.
Choice B reason: Drinking regular cola introduces high sugar, risking hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes, where insulin deficiency impairs glucose uptake. Stress from illness elevates glucose via glucagon. Monitoring with non-sugar fluids prevents dehydration and ketoacidosis, making this advice dangerous and ineffective for diabetes management.
Choice C reason: Monitoring blood glucose and drinking fluids is critical in type 1 diabetes during illness. Nausea reduces intake, and stress hormones raise glucose, risking ketoacidosis. Frequent checks guide insulin adjustments, and fluids prevent dehydration, maintaining metabolic stability, addressing the physiological needs of insulin deficiency and infection.
Choice D reason: Avoiding insulin risks diabetic ketoacidosis, as type 1 diabetes requires basal insulin despite nausea. Illness increases glucose via stress hormones, even without food. Monitoring allows tailored dosing, preventing hyperglycemia, making this instruction harmful, as it ignores ongoing insulin needs for metabolic control.
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