A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The client has received intravenous (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?

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

"Heparin enhances the effects of the warfarin."

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

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

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason : This statement is incorrect because neither heparin nor warfarin dissolves clots. They prevent the formation of new clots and the growth of existing clots.

Choice B reason : This statement is not accurate. Heparin and warfarin do not enhance each other's effects. They work in different pathways of the clotting cascade. Heparin acts quickly, whereas warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels.

Choice C reason : While seeking clarification from a provider is a part of good nursing practice, it is not the most informative response for the client. The nurse should provide education based on their knowledge and available information.

Choice D reason : This is the correct response. Heparin acts quickly and is used to stabilize the patient while waiting for warfarin to reach therapeutic levels, which is monitored by the international normalized ratio (INR) and usually takes several days.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason : The statement that the test will be complete in 30 to 60 minutes is incorrect. An ECG is a quick, non-invasive procedure that typically takes only a few minutes to perform.

Choice B reason : The statement about feeling a slight tingling is not accurate for an ECG. This test does not cause any sensations, as it simply records the electrical activity of the heart.

Choice C reason : The mention of radioactivity from dye is not applicable to an ECG. This test does not involve the use of any dyes or radioactive substances. Dyes are typically used in imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, not ECGs.

Choice D reason : This is the correct statement. For an ECG, electrodes are placed on the patient's chest and extremities to record the electrical activity of the heart. This allows the healthcare provider to assess the heart's rhythm, identify any irregularities, and diagnose conditions.

A. The PR intervals are 0.15 second. B. The QT interval is equal to the R-R interval. C. The QRS intervals are 0.08 second. D. The ST segment is above the isoelectric line.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: The PR interval, which is the time from the onset of atrial depolarization (beginning of the P wave) to the onset of ventricular depolarization (beginning of the QRS complex), normally ranges from 0.12 to 0.20 seconds. A PR interval of 0.15 second is within the normal range and does not indicate an acute myocardial infarction.

Choice B reason: The QT interval represents the total time for ventricular depolarization and repolarization. The normal QT interval varies based on heart rate and gender but is typically less than half of the R-R interval in a normal heart rhythm. Therefore, a QT interval equal to the R-R interval is abnormally prolonged, which may suggest other conditions but is not a specific indicator of acute myocardial infarction.

Choice C reason: The QRS complex reflects ventricular depolarization and normally ranges from 0.06 to 0.10 seconds. A QRS interval of 0.08 second is within the normal range and does not suggest an acute myocardial infarction.

Choice D reason: ST segment elevation is a critical finding in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The ST segment should be at the isoelectric line; elevation above this line is indicative of myocardial injury and is a key diagnostic criterion for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). An elevated ST segment is often seen in the early stages of an acute myocardial infarction and requires immediate medical attention.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) on a client who is experiencing chest pain. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who was admitted to the telemetry unit after experiencing chest pain, dyspnea, and diaphoresis. Which of the following ECG findings is a manifestation of acute myocardial infarction?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is preparing to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client?

A nurse is caring for a client who asks why she is being prescribed aspirin 325 mg daily following a myocardial infarction. The nurse should instruct the client that aspirin is prescribed for clients who have coronary artery disease for which of the following effects?

A nurse is assisting in the plan of care for a client who has a suspected myocardial infarction. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer first?

A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about documenting blood pressure. The nurse should include documenting which of the following information?

A nurse is caring for a client immediately following a cardiac catheterization with a femoral artery approach. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is caring for a client who recently had surgery for the insertion of a permanent pacemaker. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse question?