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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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Determining the presence of abdominal pain is crucial because long-term use of ibuprofen can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers and bleeding. Abdominal pain can be an early sign of these complications, and prompt identification is essential to prevent more severe outcomes. Monitoring for gastrointestinal symptoms is a key aspect of managing patients on chronic NSAID therapy.

Choice B Reason:

While palpating the volume of pedal pulses is important for assessing peripheral circulation, it is not directly related to the potential side effects of long-term ibuprofen use. This assessment is more relevant for conditions affecting blood flow, such as peripheral artery disease, rather than for monitoring ibuprofen-related complications.

Choice C Reason:

Evaluating ongoing sleep patterns can provide valuable information about the client’s overall well-being and pain management. However, it is not the most critical assessment in the context of long-term ibuprofen use. Sleep disturbances may be related to chronic pain but are not directly indicative of ibuprofen’s adverse effects.

Choice D Reason:

Assessing back pain using a numeric scale is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of pain management strategies. However, it does not address the potential adverse effects of long-term ibuprofen use. While pain assessment is important, monitoring for signs of gastrointestinal complications takes precedence in this scenario.

A. Polyuria. B. Low urine specific gravity. C. Polydipsia. D. Worsening headache.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Polyuria, or excessive urination, is a symptom of diabetes insipidus rather than a side effect of vasopressin. Vasopressin is used to reduce urine output in DI patients. If polyuria persists, it may indicate that the medication is not effective, but it is not a direct side effect that requires immediate reporting.

Choice B Reason:

Low urine specific gravity indicates dilute urine, which is a characteristic of diabetes insipidus. Vasopressin should help concentrate the urine. If low urine specific gravity persists, it may suggest that the medication is not working effectively, but it is not a side effect that necessitates urgent reporting.

Choice C Reason:

Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is another symptom of diabetes insipidus. While vasopressin should help reduce this symptom by controlling urine output, persistent polydipsia may indicate inadequate treatment. However, it is not a side effect of the medication that requires immediate attention.

Choice D Reason:

Worsening headache is a significant side effect that should be reported to the healthcare provider. Headaches can indicate water intoxication or hyponatremia (low sodium levels), which are serious complications of vasopressin therapy. Immediate reporting is necessary to adjust the treatment and prevent further complications.

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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 with chronic lower back pain has been taking ibuprofen PO twice a day for several months. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to complete?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client who is newly diagnosed with diabetes insipidus (DI) is receiving synthetic vasopressin intravenously. Which side effect of vasopressin reported by the client should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Patient Data Exhibits The nurse would determine what actions to implement in an emergent situation. Drag from Word Choices to complete the sentence. Sentence: The client is at immediate risk for developing: dropdown , dropdown and dropdown.