A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism that is placed on a continuous heparin infusion. The nurse should notify the health care provider for which of the following findings?
Client develops petechiae on the arms, legs, and abdomen.
Health care provider orders Coumadin 2.5 mg P.O. to begin today.
Client develops slight ecchymosis at the venipuncture site.
Client's partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is 70 seconds and the control is 25-40 seconds.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Client develops petechiae on the arms, legs, and abdomen: Petechiae can indicate thrombocytopenia, which may be a complication of heparin therapy but is not an urgent concern unless severe or associated with bleeding.
B. Health care provider orders Coumadin 2.5 mg P.O. to begin today: Coumadin (warfarin) is often initiated as a bridge therapy or overlap with heparin therapy in pulmonary embolism management. This order is not necessarily inappropriate and may be part of the treatment plan.
C. Client develops slight ecchymosis at the venipuncture site: Ecchymosis at the venipuncture site can occur due to minor trauma during the insertion of IV lines or blood draws and is not necessarily indicative of a complication requiring immediate notification of the healthcare provider.
D. Client's partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is 70 seconds and the control is 25-40 seconds: A significantly elevated PTT indicates a potential overdose of heparin, putting the client at risk of bleeding complications. This finding warrants immediate notification of the healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of heparin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"C"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"C"},"F":{"answers":"A"},"G":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Client calm not agitated. Grimaces with movement.
No change: While the client is calm and not agitated, grimacing with movement indicates continued discomfort or pain, which remains unchanged.
Oral mucous membranes dry.
No change: Dry oral mucous membranes persist, suggesting ongoing dehydration or inadequate oral hydration.
Axillary temp 102 F (38.9 C), client shivering.
Declined: The axillary temperature has increased from 100.8 F (38.22 C) to 102 F (38.9 C), indicating a worsening of the client's fever. Shivering suggests the body's attempt to generate heat in response to the fever.
Productive cough.
No change: The client continues to have a productive cough, indicating ongoing respiratory congestion or infection.
Coarse rhonchi bilaterally. Crackles in bases.
Declined: The presence of coarse rhonchi bilaterally and crackles in the bases suggests worsening respiratory status, possibly indicating progression of underlying lung disease or development of complications such as pneumonia.
Respirations irregular with periods of apnea.
Improved: The client's respirations, previously irregular with periods of apnea, are now regular, indicating an improvement in respiratory function.
Client resting in recliner. RR 12, regular.
Improved: The client's respiratory rate has decreased from 18 to 12 breaths per minute, and respirations are now regular, suggesting improved respiratory status and possibly reduced distress.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Health care providers should be told about the diagnosis to deliver safe care: Health care providers need to know the client's diagnosis to provide appropriate and safe care. This includes administering medications, assessing for opportunistic infections, and implementing preventive measures.
B. Most people in current society would be accepting of the diagnosis: While stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS has decreased over time, disclosure is a personal decision, and not all individuals may be accepting of the diagnosis. Therefore, this statement may not always be accurate.
C. Intimate partners should be told so they can protect themselves: Disclosing the diagnosis to intimate partners is essential for their health and well-being, as it allows them to take necessary precautions to prevent transmission of the virus.
D. The diagnosis is reportable to the state health department: In many jurisdictions, HIV/AIDS diagnoses are reportable to the state health department for surveillance and public health monitoring purposes. This reporting is typically done without disclosing the client's identity.
E. Secrecy about the diagnosis is the privilege of the client: While confidentiality is crucial, it's important to balance it with public health considerations and the well-being of others who may be at risk of infection.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
