A client has a prescription for heparin 5000 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.

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

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

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason:

Requesting a prescription to change the route of administration and use the available heparin is not appropriate. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and unfractionated heparin (UFH) are not interchangeable on a unit-for-unit basis. They have different pharmacokinetics and dosing requirements. Changing the route without proper guidance can lead to incorrect dosing and potential complications.

Choice B reason:

Calculating and administering the equivalent dose of the available low molecular weight heparin is incorrect. LMWH and UFH have different dosing protocols and are not directly interchangeable. Administering LMWH instead of UFH without proper conversion and guidance can result in inappropriate anticoagulation.

Choice C reason:

Diluting the available heparin in 250 ml of normal saline solution prior to IV administration is not appropriate. The prescription specifies heparin 5000 units IV STAT, which indicates an immediate need for intravenous administration. Diluting and administering it in this manner does not align with the urgency of the order.

Choice D reason:

Advising the pharmacy of the need to deliver a vial of heparin to the nursing unit immediately is the correct action. This ensures that the client receives the prescribed medication in the correct form and dosage as ordered by the healthcare provider. It is crucial to follow the specific instructions for heparin administration to ensure patient safety and effective anticoagulation.

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Correct Answer is ["2"]

Explanation

Step-by-Step Calculation

Step 1: Determine the total units prescribed.

The prescription is for 1.2 million units.

Step 2: Determine the concentration of the available vial.

The vial is labeled “600,000 units/mL.”

Step 3: Calculate the volume to be administered.

Volume to be administered = Total units prescribed ÷ Concentration of the vial
Volume to be administered = 1,200,000 units ÷ 600,000 units/mL

Result: The nurse should administer 2 mL.

Correct Answer is ["200"]

Explanation

Step-by-Step Calculation

Step 1: Determine the total volume to be infused.

The IV bag contains 200 mL of solution.

Step 2: Determine the infusion time.

The infusion time is 1 hour.

Step 3: Calculate the infusion rate.

Infusion rate = Total volume ÷ Infusion time
Infusion rate = 200 mL ÷ 1 hour

Result: The infusion rate is 200 mL/hr.

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A client has a prescription for heparin 5000 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

A client receives a prescription for penicillin 1.2 million units IM. The available vial is labeled, “600,000 units/mL.” How many mL should the nurse administer? (Enter numeric value only.)

Correct Answer is ["2"]

Explanation

A client receives a prescription for ciprofloxacin 400 mg intravenously (IV) every 12 hours to be infused over an hour. The IV bag contains ciprofloxacin 400 mg in dextrose 5% in water (D5W) 200 mL. The nurse should program the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hr? (Enter numerical value only.)

Correct Answer is ["200"]

Explanation

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