A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg is on a heparin protocol.
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?

Observe for bleeding side effects related to heparin therapy.

Encourage mobilization to prevent pulmonary embolism.

Assess blood pressure and heart rate at least every 4 hours.

Measure each calf’s girth to evaluate edema in the affected leg.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that prevents the formation of blood clots. One of the most common and serious side effects of heparin therapy is bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to observe for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, petechiae, hematomas, black tarry stools, hematuria, and changes in mental status. Regular laboratory monitoring of the client’s coagulation status, specifically the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), is also necessary to ensure therapeutic levels of heparin without causing excessive bleeding.

Choice B rationale

While mobilization can help prevent the formation of new clots, it is not the most important intervention for a client who is already on a heparin protocol for DVT. Mobilization can potentially dislodge the existing clot, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Choice C rationale

Although it is important to monitor vital signs in all clients, assessing blood pressure and heart rate every 4 hours is not the most important intervention for a client on a heparin protocol.

Changes in blood pressure and heart rate are not specific to heparin therapy and do not provide direct information about the effectiveness or side effects of the medication.

Choice D rationale

Measuring each calf’s girth can help evaluate the progression of edema in the affected leg, but it is not the most important intervention for a client on a heparin protocol. While it can provide information about the local effects of the DVT, it does not address the systemic anticoagulation effects of heparin therapy.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Verifying that the nurse has gathered the necessary supplies is important, but it is not the most critical action in this scenario. The new nurse has already gathered the necessary supplies for the procedure.
Choice B rationale

This is the correct answer. A transparent dressing is preferred over a gauze dressing for securing an IV catheter. It allows for easy inspection of the insertion site for signs of infection.
Choice C rationale
Ensuring that the gauze dressing is taped securely in place is not the most critical action in this scenario. As mentioned, a transparent dressing is generally preferred for securing an IV catheter.
Choice D rationale
While inspecting the secured IV site after the insertion procedure is important, advising the nurse to use a transparent dressing over the site is a more immediate need. This will allow for continuous visual inspection of the site.

A. Blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L). B. Serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L). C. Hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L). D. Potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L).

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A blood glucose level of 90 mg/dL (5 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice B rationale
A serum creatinine level of 5 mg/dL (442 µmol/L) is significantly elevated, indicating impaired kidney function. This is a critical lab value that should be reported to the surgeon immediately, as it could impact the patient’s ability to safely undergo surgery and recover postoperatively.

Choice C rationale
A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL (130 g/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.
Choice D rationale
A potassium level of 4 mEq/L (4 mmol/L) is within the normal range and would not need to be reported to the surgeon.

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A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg is on a heparin protocol. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

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A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg is on a heparin protocol.
Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care?