A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving heparin therapy for deep-vein thrombosis.
Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the therapy is effective?
Platelets within the expected reference range.
Decreased INR.
Presence of pedal pulses bilaterally.
Reduced calf circumference.
The Correct Answer is D
Heparin therapy is used to prevent thrombus propagation and distal embolization while allowing the endogenous fibrinolytic system to dissolve existing clots in deep-vein thrombosis (DVT)1.
A reduction in calf circumference may indicate that the clot is dissolving and the therapy is effective.
Choice A is wrong because platelets within the expected reference range do not necessarily indicate that heparin therapy for DVT is effective.
Choice B is wrong because INR (International Normalized Ratio) is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.
Choice C is wrong because the presence of pedal pulses bilaterally does not necessarily indicate that heparin therapy for DVT is effective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication that can have nephrotoxic effects.
A creatinine level of.5 mg/dL is above the normal range and may indicate impaired kidney function.
The nurse should report this value to the provider for further evaluation.
Choice B is wrong because Potassium 4.2 mEq/L, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for potassium levels in the blood.
Choice C is wrong because BUN 18 mg/dL, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for blood urea nitrogen levels.
Choice D is wrong because Sodium 139 mEq/L, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for sodium levels in the blood.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
When administering heparin subcutaneously, the nurse should grasp the skin between the thumb and forefinger throughout the injection to minimize bleeding following the injection.
Choice A is wrong because Use the Z-track method to administer the medication, is not the correct answer because the Z-track method is a technique used for intramuscular injections, not subcutaneous injections.
Choice C is wrong because Aspirate the syringe prior to injecting the heparin, is not the correct answer because aspiration is not necessary when administering heparin subcutaneously.
Choice D is wrong because Gently massage the site following the injection, is not the correct answer because massaging the injection site can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
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