A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and has a new prescription for enoxaparin 1.5 mg/kg/dose subcutaneously every 12 hours. The client weighs 245 lbs. How many mg should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)
The Correct Answer is ["167 "]
To calculate the dose of enoxaparin, follow these steps:
1) Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms:
245 lbs / 2.2046 (kg/lb) = 111.13 kg (rounded to the nearest whole number, it's 111 kg).
2) Multiply the weight in kilograms by the prescribed dose per kilogram:
111 kg x 1.5 mg/kg = 166.5 mg.
Round the answer to the nearest whole number, so the nurse should administer 167 mg per dose of enoxaparin every 12 hours to the client with a pulmonary embolism.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because slowing the rate to 50 mL/hr may not be enough to prevent cerebral edema, which is a common complication of head injury. Cerebral edema is a swelling of the brain tissue due to increased fluid accumulation. It can cause increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which can lead to brain damage or death. Therefore, the nurse should limit the fluid intake of the client with head injury to avoid worsening the condition.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because increasing the rate to 250 mL/hr may cause fluid overload, which can also increase the ICP and worsen the cerebral edema. Fluid overload is a condition in which the body has too much fluid, which can impair the function of the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Therefore, the nurse should avoid giving too much fluid to the client with head injury.
Choice C Reason: This choice is correct because slowing the rate to 20 mL/hr may help to maintain adequate hydration and electrolyte balance, while preventing fluid overload and cerebral edema. This is a conservative approach that can be used until the client's neurological status and ICP are assessed and monitored.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because continuing the rate at 125 mL/hr may not be appropriate for the client with head injury, depending on their individual needs and condition. The nurse should adjust the fluid rate according to the client's vital signs, urine output, serum osmolality, and ICP. Therefore, the nurse should not assume that this rate is optimal for the client without further evaluation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a thrombotic stroke is caused by a clot that forms in a cerebral artery, usually due to atherosclerosis. It typically occurs gradually and does not cause a sudden, severe headache or seizure.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because an embolic stroke is caused by a clot that travels from another part of the body, such as the heart, to a cerebral artery. It usually occurs abruptly and does not cause vomiting or fever.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because a transient ischemic atack (TIA) is caused by a temporary interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain. It usually lasts less than an hour and does not cause permanent brain damage or loss of consciousness.
Choice D Reason: This is correct because a hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in bleeding into the brain tissue or the subarachnoid space. It usually causes a sudden, severe headache, vomiting, seizure, and loss of consciousness. It can also cause elevated blood pressure, fever, and increased intracranial pressure.
