A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse review prior to adjusting the client's heparin?
aPTT
PT
INR
WBC count
The Correct Answer is A
A is correct because aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) measures the effectiveness of heparin therapy and guides dosage adjustments.
B is incorrect because PT (prothrombin time) measures the effectiveness of warfarin therapy, not heparin.
C is incorrect because INR (international normalized ratio) is a standardized version of PT that also monitors warfarin therapy, not heparin.
D is incorrect because WBC count (white blood cell count) measures the body's immune response and has no relation to heparin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Acetaminophen is a safer choice for pain relief in clients with cholelithiasis because it does not have significant effects on the gallbladder or biliary system. It can provide effective pain relief without exacerbating the underlying condition.
Choice B reason:
Omeprazole Omeprazole should not administer because it is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used to reduce stomach acid production and treat conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. It is not indicated for the treatment of pain and discomfort associated with cholelithiasis.
Choice C reason
Should not be administered
Metoclopramide Metoclopramide should not be administered because it is a medication used to treat gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and gastroparesis. It is not indicated for the treatment of pain associated with cholelithiasis.
Choice D reason:
Ketorolac Ketorolac should not be administered because it is an NSAID used for moderate to severe pain. However, it should be avoided in clients with cholelithiasis due to its potential adverse effects on the gallbladder and biliary system.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This is an incorrect action. Inserting air in the tube and listening for gurgling sounds in the epigastric area is not a reliable method to confirm NG tube placement, as it can produce false-positive results due to air entering the stomach or intestines.
B. This is a correct action. Aspirating contents from the tube and verifying the pH level is a valid method to confirm NG tube placement, as gastric contents typically have a pH of less than 5.5, while intestinal or respiratory contents have a higher pH.
C. This is an incorrect action. Reviewing the medical record for previous x-ray verification of placement is not sufficient to confirm NG tube placement, as the tube can migrate or become dislodged after insertion. X-ray verification should be done initially and whenever there is doubt about the tube's position.
D. This is an incorrect action. Auscultating the lungs for adventitious breath sounds is not a specific method to confirm NG tube placement, as it can indicate other conditions such as pneumonia or pulmonary edema. It can also miss signs of respiratory complications due to NG tube misplacement, such as pneumothorax or bronchial obstruction.
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