A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and is receiving therapy with unfractionated heparin. Which of the following laboratory results indicates that the therapy is effective?

PT 12 seconds.

aPTT 75 seconds.

INR 1.1.

Platelets 200,000/mm².

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

A PT (Prothrombin Time) of 12 seconds is not indicative of the effectiveness of heparin therapy for a pulmonary embolism. PT measures the extrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, and it is more relevant to monitor in patients on warfarin therapy.

Choice B rationale:

The aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) of 75 seconds is the correct choice as it reflects the effectiveness of unfractionated heparin therapy. Heparin works by inhibiting clotting factors in the intrinsic pathway, and the aPTT is used to monitor heparin's anticoagulant effect. The normal range for aPTT is typically 25-35 seconds.

Choice C rationale:

An INR (International Normalized Ratio) of 1.1 is not the appropriate parameter to assess the effectiveness of heparin therapy. INR is primarily used to monitor the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants like warfarin, not heparin.

Choice D rationale:

The platelet count of 200,000/mm² is not a suitable parameter to evaluate the effectiveness of heparin therapy. Platelet count is important for assessing the risk of bleeding or clotting disorders but does not directly measure the impact of heparin on clotting factors.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The client's ABG values show a pH of 7.48, PCO2 of 30 mm Hg, HCO3 of 24 mEq/L, and PaO2 of 85 mm Hg. The elevated pH and decreased PCO2 (respiratory component) suggest respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive ventilation, leading to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels (hypocapnia) and subsequent alkalosis.

Choice B rationale:

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by an elevated PCO2 and decreased pH. In this case, the client's PCO2 is decreased, indicating respiratory alkalosis rather than respiratory acidosis.

Choice C rationale:

Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevated HCO3 (bicarbonate) level and an increased pH. The client's HCO3 level is within the normal range, making metabolic alkalosis an incorrect identification.

Choice D rationale:

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decreased HCO3 level and a decreased pH. The client's HCO3 level is within the normal range, ruling out metabolic acidosis as the acid-base imbalance in this case.

A. "Administer this medication into your leg muscle.". B. "Expel the excess air in the syringe before you administer the medication.". C. "Insert the entire needle into your skin to administer medication completely.". D. "Take ibuprofen for fever following administration of this medication.".

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Answer: C. "Insert the entire needle into your skin to administer medication completely."

Rationale:

A) "Administer this medication into your leg muscle."
Enoxaparin should be administered subcutaneously, typically in the abdominal area, not into a muscle. Injecting it intramuscularly can lead to unpredictable absorption and increase the risk of bleeding.

B) "Expel the excess air in the syringe before you administer the medication."
This statement is incorrect. For enoxaparin, it is recommended to retain the air bubble in the syringe. The air bubble helps ensure the entire dose is delivered and minimizes leakage at the injection site.

C) "Insert the entire needle into your skin to administer medication completely."
This is an appropriate instruction as it emphasizes the need to fully insert the needle for effective subcutaneous delivery of enoxaparin. Proper technique is essential to ensure the medication is administered as intended.

D) "Take ibuprofen for fever following administration of this medication."
This recommendation is not advisable because ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken concurrently with enoxaparin. The client should consult their healthcare provider for safe alternatives for managing fever or pain.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has a pulmonary embolism and is receiving therapy with unfractionated heparin. Which of the following laboratory results indicates that the therapy is effective?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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