A nurse is caring for a client who has a deep vein thrombosis, who received IV heparin for the past 5 days, and now has a new prescription for oral warfarin in addition to the heparin. The client asks the nurse if both medications are necessary. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

"Heparin enhances the effects of the warfarin."

"Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots."

"Heparin will be continued until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level!"

"I will ask the charge nurse to call your provider and get an explanation"

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) "Heparin enhances the effects of the warfarin.": This statement is incorrect. Heparin and warfarin work through different mechanisms. Heparin acts quickly by inhibiting clot formation through antithrombin, while warfarin acts slower by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. They do not directly enhance each other's effects.

B) "Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots.": This is inaccurate. Neither heparin nor warfarin dissolve existing clots; they prevent new clots from forming and existing clots from growing. The body's natural processes will eventually dissolve the clot.

C) "Heparin will be continued until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level!": This is correct. Heparin is used initially because it acts quickly. Warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels. Overlapping the two ensures continuous anticoagulation until warfarin is effective.

D) "I will ask the charge nurse to call your provider and get an explanation.": While involving the provider for further explanation can be helpful, it does not directly answer the client’s question. Providing accurate information about the overlapping use of heparin and warfarin is more appropriate in this context.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): This test is primarily used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy, not warfarin. While aPTT measures the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, it is not the standard test for monitoring warfarin, which affects the extrinsic pathway and vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.

B) Platelet count: This test measures the number of platelets in the blood and is used to diagnose and monitor conditions related to platelet function, such as thrombocytopenia. However, it does not provide information about the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, which works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.

C) White blood cell count (WBC): This test measures the number of white blood cells in the blood and is used to diagnose and monitor infections and inflammatory conditions. It is not relevant for monitoring the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, as WBC levels are not influenced by warfarin therapy.

D) Prothrombin time (PT): This is the correct test to monitor the effect of warfarin therapy. PT measures the extrinsic pathway of coagulation, which is directly influenced by warfarin. The international normalized ratio (INR) is derived from the PT and is used to standardize PT results, making it the most reliable indicator of warfarin’s anticoagulant effect. Regular monitoring of PT/INR helps ensure therapeutic levels are maintained while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications.

A. "I will take the first tablet when the pain becomes severe." B. "I will take no more than four tablets in 10 min." C. "I will chew the tablet before swallowing." D. "I will dial 911 if one tablet does not relieve my pain."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) "I will take the first tablet when the pain becomes severe.": This statement is incorrect because nitroglycerin should be taken at the onset of chest pain, not when it becomes severe. Early administration can help prevent the pain from worsening and reduce the risk of a heart attack. Waiting until the pain is severe may delay relief and increase the risk of serious complications.

B) "I will take no more than four tablets in 10 min.": This is incorrect as the standard protocol for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets typically involves taking one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three doses in 15 minutes, if needed. Taking four tablets in 10 minutes exceeds the recommended dosage and could lead to severe hypotension, dizziness, and fainting. It’s crucial to follow the prescribed limits to avoid these adverse effects.

C) "I will chew the tablet before swallowing.": This is incorrect because nitroglycerin sublingual tablets are designed to dissolve under the tongue for rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Chewing or swallowing the tablet would decrease its effectiveness and delay pain relief. The sublingual route allows the medication to bypass the digestive system and work quickly to relieve chest pain.

D) "I will dial 911 if one tablet does not relieve my pain.": This is the correct response. If chest pain is not relieved within 5 minutes after taking the first nitroglycerin tablet, it may indicate a more serious condition such as a heart attack. The client should call 911 to seek immediate medical assistance. Prompt action is critical in managing potential cardiac events and improving outcomes for the client.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. The nurse should use the results of which of the following diagnostic tests to monitor the effect of this therapy?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has angina pectoris about starting therapy with nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse in a provider's office is reinforcing teaching with a client who has anemia and has been taking ferrous gluconate for several weeks. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client who has pulmonary tuberculosis and is to start taking rifampin. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A nurse in a provider's office is reinforcing teaching with a client who is taking multiple medications. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid performing hazardous activities while taking which of the following medications that can cause daytime sedation?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for clopidogrel. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching with a client following an episode of status asthmaticus. The client has a prescription for two inhalations from an albuterol metered-dose inhaler. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse administered nitroglycerin sublingually to a client who has angina pectoris and experienced chest pain. The client states that his chest pain is relieved but now he has a headache. Which of the following responses by the nurse is appropriate?