A nurse is caring for a client who has cirrhosis and a prothrombin time of 30 seconds. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?
Warfarin
Vitamin K
Heparin
Ferrous sulfate
The Correct Answer is B
A. Warfarin:
Warfarin is an anticoagulant that works by inhibiting the synthesis of certain clotting factors, including factors II, VII, IX, and X. While it is used to prevent thromboembolic events, in a client with cirrhosis and an elevated PT, the priority is addressing the coagulation factor deficiency rather than adding an anticoagulant.
B. Vitamin K:
Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, and it helps in the synthesis of clotting factors. In cirrhosis, there can be impaired synthesis of clotting factors due to liver dysfunction. Administering vitamin K can aid in correcting coagulation abnormalities.
C. Heparin:
Heparin is another anticoagulant, but it does not reverse the effects of warfarin. It works by a different mechanism and is typically used in acute settings, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. It is not the primary intervention for an elevated PT in cirrhosis.
D. Ferrous sulfate:
Ferrous sulfate is an iron supplement and is not indicated for the correction of an elevated PT. Iron supplements are typically used to address iron deficiency anemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Avoid foods high in fat:
Dietary fat can trigger the gallbladder to release bile, and for individuals with chronic cholecystitis, high-fat meals can exacerbate symptoms such as biliary colic. Therefore, advising the client to avoid foods high in fat can help manage symptoms.
B. Include foods high in starch and proteins:
While protein-rich foods can be included in the diet, a high-fat content should be avoided. Starches can be a part of a balanced diet, but it's essential to focus on low-fat options.
C. Include foods high in fiber:
Including foods high in fiber is generally a good recommendation for digestive health. However, the emphasis here is on avoiding high-fat foods, and the recommendation for fiber should not overshadow the importance of minimizing dietary fat.
D. Avoid foods high in sodium:
Sodium restriction may be relevant for certain health conditions, but it is not the primary dietary consideration for managing chronic cholecystitis. The emphasis in this context is on reducing dietary fat.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dyspepsia:
Dyspepsia refers to discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen, often described as indigestion. It is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease but is not as urgent as the manifestation described in option C.
B. Epigastric discomfort:
Epigastric discomfort is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but the priority is to identify more severe complications, such as bleeding.
C. Hematemesis:
This is the correct answer. Hematemesis refers to the vomiting of blood, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of peptic ulcer disease. It indicates active bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract and requires prompt medical attention.
D. Epigastric pain:
Epigastric pain is similar to epigastric discomfort and is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease. However, the priority in the given options is to identify the more severe complication of hematemesis.
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