A client who was recently diagnosed with atrial fibrillation is receiving warfarin. To see the drug's effectiveness, which laboratory finding should the practical nurse (PN) review?
Complete blood count.
Serum troponin levels.
Creatinine clearance.
Prothrombin time (PT)
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A: A complete blood count (CBC) is important for monitoring various aspects of the blood, including the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. While important for assessing overall health, a CBC is not the primary laboratory finding used to assess the effectiveness of warfarin in managing atrial fibrillation.
Choice B: Serum troponin levels are typically measured to assess cardiac muscle damage, such as in myocardial infarction (heart attack). They are not the primary indicator for assessing the effectiveness of warfarin in atrial fibrillation.
Choice C: Creatinine clearance is a measure of kidney function and is not the primary laboratory finding used to evaluate the effectiveness of warfarin.
Choice D: Prothrombin time (PT) is the most relevant laboratory finding for monitoring the effectiveness of warfarin in clients with atrial fibrillation. Warfarin's therapeutic effect is primarily assessed through PT measurements, with the goal of maintaining the client's international normalized ratio (INR) within a specific target range to prevent excessive bleeding or clotting.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A: Applying compression stockings before ambulation is a key aspect of self-care for a client with chronic venous insufficiency. Compression stockings help improve venous return and reduce edema.
Choice B: Soaking feet to soften nails before trimming is not a specific intervention for chronic venous insufficiency and should be done with caution in individuals with open ulcers.
Choice C: Keeping legs dependent to promote blood flow is not advisable in chronic venous insufficiency, as it can worsen venous pooling and edema.
Choice D: Medicating inflamed skin areas with an antibiotic ointment may be part of wound care but does not address the primary intervention of using compression stockings for chronic venous insufficiency.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Serum protein is an indicator of the client’s overall nutritional status, but it is not as immediately critical to monitor as glucose levels in clients receiving TPN. Protein levels change more slowly over time and are not an acute concern.
B. While serum osmolarity is important in evaluating hydration status and electrolyte balance, it is not the primary lab to monitor during TPN administration. Glucose fluctuations are more likely to cause immediate complications.
C. Urinary ketones are typically monitored in clients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), not in clients receiving TPN. Ketones are a byproduct of fat metabolism and are not a priority in TPN management.
D. Capillary glucose is the most important lab to monitor in clients on TPN because TPN solutions contain high amounts of glucose, which can lead to hyperglycemia. Monitoring glucose levels helps prevent complications such as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia and is critical in managing the client's metabolic response to TPN.
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