A client has a prescription for heparin 1,000 units IV STAT. Several pre-filled syringes of low molecular weight heparin are available in the client's medication drawer. Which action should the nurse implement?

Request a prescription to change the route of administration and use the available heparin.

Calculate and administer the equivalent dose of the available low molecular weight heparin.

Advise the pharmacy of the need to deliver a vial of heparin to the nursing unit immediately.

Dilute the available heparin in 250 mL of normal saline solution prior to IV administration.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Request a prescription to change the route of administration and use the available heparin:
Changing the route of administration without a prescription is not within the nurse's scope of practice and could lead to medication errors or adverse effects. It's essential to follow the prescribed route of administration to ensure patient safety.

B) Calculate and administer the equivalent dose of the available low molecular weight heparin:
Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has different dosing and potency compared to unfractionated heparin. Calculating an equivalent dose without a specific conversion ratio could result in under- or overdosing, leading to ineffective anticoagulation or increased risk of bleeding.

C) Advise the pharmacy of the need to deliver a vial of heparin to the nursing unit immediately:
This is the correct action. Since the prescription specifies unfractionated heparin administered intravenously, the nurse should notify the pharmacy to provide the correct medication promptly. Using a different form of heparin could lead to dosing errors or ineffective treatment.

D) Dilute the available heparin in 250 mL of normal saline solution prior to IV administration:
This action is not appropriate because it assumes that the available heparin is suitable for intravenous administration, which may not be the case. Dilution may also alter the concentration and potency of the medication, leading to inaccurate dosing and potential adverse effects.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Serum ammonia level of 30 pg/dl (17.62 μmol /dL): Serum ammonia level is not directly affected by sodium polystyrene sulfonate administration. Ammonia levels are typically related to liver function and are not relevant in assessing the effectiveness of this medication for hyperkalemia.
B) Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L): Serum glucose level is unrelated to the action of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. While hyperkalemia can sometimes lead to glucose metabolism abnormalities, the glucose level alone does not provide information about the medication's effectiveness.
C) Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, also known as Kayexalate, is a medication used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, leading to potassium excretion through feces. A decrease in serum potassium level within the normal range indicates that the medication has been effective in lowering potassium levels, which is the intended therapeutic outcome in the context of treating hyperkalemia associated with acute kidney injury (AKI).
D) Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L): Hemoglobin level is unrelated to the action of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. It reflects the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and is not directly influenced by potassium-lowering medications.

A. Schedule both medications at bedtime. B. Administer iodine one hour before PTU. C. Give parental dose once every 24 hours. D. Offer both drugs together with a meal.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Schedule both medications at bedtime:
Administering both medications at bedtime may not be the most appropriate schedule. PTU is typically administered multiple times a day to maintain consistent therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. Additionally, administering Lugol’s solution at bedtime may not provide sufficient time for the iodine to take effect before the PTU.

B) Administer iodine one hour before PTU:
This option is correct. Lugol’s solution, a strong iodine solution, is often given before antithyroid medications such as PTU or methimazole to temporarily block thyroid hormone production. Administering iodine about one hour before PTU allows the iodine to be taken up by the thyroid gland, effectively reducing thyroid hormone synthesis before the PTU starts to inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3.

C) Give parental dose once every 24 hours:
This option does not address the timing of administration between PTU and Lugol’s solution. While it may be correct for the dosing frequency of PTU, it does not specify when to administer Lugol’s solution in relation to PTU.

D) Offer both drugs together with a meal:
Administering both drugs together with a meal may not be appropriate, especially considering that Lugol’s solution needs to be absorbed into the bloodstream to exert its effect on the thyroid gland. Administering Lugol’s solution and PTU together may not allow adequate time for the iodine to take effect before the PTU starts to inhibit thyroid hormone production.

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A client has a prescription for heparin 1,000 units IV STAT. Several pre-filled syringes of low molecular weight heparin are available in the client's medication drawer. Which action should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The healthcare provider prescribes propylthiouracil (PTU) and Lugol’s solution, a strong iodine solution, for a client with hyperthyroidism. How should the nurse schedule the administration of these medications?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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