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) Undergo annual eye examinations:
While methotrexate and adalimumab can both have potential ocular side effects, such as blurred vision or eye pain, the need for annual eye examinations is more commonly associated with methotrexate therapy. Methotrexate can cause ocular toxicity, including retinopathy and optic neuropathy, which necessitates regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist. However, adalimumab is not typically associated with annual eye examinations, so this instruction is not directly relevant to the addition of adalimumab to the client’s regimen.

B) Have a chest x-ray prior to your first dose:
A chest x-ray is not routinely required before initiating adalimumab therapy. While screening for tuberculosis (TB) may be necessary in clients starting adalimumab due to its immunosuppressive effects, a chest x-ray is not always indicated for this purpose. Instead, TB screening usually involves a thorough history, physical examination, and possibly tuberculin skin testing or interferon-gamma release assays. Therefore, this instruction is not specifically related to the addition of adalimumab to the client’s treatment regimen.

C) Avoid crowds and people who are sick:
Adalimumab is a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that suppresses the immune system’s inflammatory response by targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). As a result, clients taking adalimumab are at increased risk of infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Therefore, instructing the client to avoid crowds and individuals who are sick helps reduce the risk of exposure to infectious pathogens and minimize the likelihood of developing infections while on adalimumab therapy.

D) Obtain routine vaccinations as scheduled:
While maintaining up-to-date vaccinations is important for overall health and immunity, clients receiving biologic DMARDs like adalimumab may have a reduced response to vaccines due to immunosuppression. Therefore, it is generally recommended to administer necessary vaccinations before starting adalimumab therapy whenever possible. However, the decision to administer vaccines should be individualized, and certain live vaccines may be contraindicated while receiving adalimumab. Nonetheless, this instruction is not directly related to the addition of adalimumab to the client’s medication regimen.

A. Begin therapy 1 week before the next normal menstrual cycle. B. Use condoms and a backup method of birth control to prevent pregnancy. C. Ensure a negative pregnancy test result 2 weeks before therapy. D. Call the healthcare provider immediately if there is a chance of conception.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Begin therapy 1 week before the next normal menstrual cycle:
Misoprostol is often prescribed to prevent gastric ulcers induced by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and is typically taken regularly with meals and at bedtime. The timing of therapy initiation is not necessarily linked to the menstrual cycle. Therefore, instructing the client to begin therapy specifically 1 week before the next normal menstrual cycle is incorrect and indicates a need for further teaching.

B) Use condoms and a backup method of birth control to prevent pregnancy:
Misoprostol is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potential to induce uterine contractions and cause miscarriage or fetal abnormalities. Therefore, advising the client to use condoms and a backup method of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking misoprostol is appropriate and aligns with safety precautions.

C) Ensure a negative pregnancy test result 2 weeks before therapy:
Confirming a negative pregnancy test result before initiating misoprostol therapy is essential because the medication can cause harm to a developing fetus. This instruction is correct and reinforces the importance of avoiding pregnancy while taking misoprostol.

D) Call the healthcare provider immediately if there is a chance of conception:
Given the teratogenic effects of misoprostol, advising the client to contact the healthcare provider immediately if there is a chance of conception is crucial. This instruction emphasizes the importance of avoiding pregnancy while taking the medication and seeking medical guidance promptly if pregnancy is suspected.

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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

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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