A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion for treatment of venous thrombosis. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor for in order to titrate the heparin dose?
Platelet function assay
aPTT
INR
Amylase
The Correct Answer is B
When caring for a client receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion for the treatment of venous thrombosis, the nurse should monitor the client's aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) to titrate the heparin dose.
Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent and treat blood clots. The aPTT is a coagulation test that measures the time it takes for the blood to clot when a specific activator is added. Monitoring the aPTT is a standard method for assessing the anticoagulant effect of heparin and ensuring that the client's blood remains within the desired therapeutic range.
The therapeutic range for aPTT while on heparin therapy varies depending on the indication and the client's condition but is generally maintained at a level that prolongs the clotting time enough to prevent and treat thrombosis while avoiding excessive bleeding risk.
Let's go through the other options:
A. Platelet function assay: While monitoring platelet function is essential for assessing overall hemostasis and platelet function, it is not specifically used for titrating heparin doses. Platelet function assays are more commonly used to assess the function of platelets in the context of platelet disorders or antiplatelet medication therapy.
C. INR (International Normalized Ratio): The INR is used to monitor the effect of vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants, such as warfarin, and is not the appropriate test for monitoring heparin therapy.
D. Amylase: Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas and salivary glands and is not relevant for monitoring heparin therapy. Elevated amylase levels are typically associated with pancreatitis and not related to heparin treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client statement that indicates an understanding of the teaching is: "The medication can cause drowsiness."
Promethazine is an antihistamine medication commonly used to treat various conditions, such as allergies, motion sickness, and nausea. One of the most common side effects of promethazine is drowsiness or sedation. It has a significant sedative effect, and it is often used to induce sleep or manage insomnia in some cases.
Let's go through the other options:
A. "This medication can cause diarrhea": Diarrhea is not a common side effect of promethazine. While promethazine can cause certain gastrointestinal side effects like constipation or upset stomach, diarrhea is not typically associated with its use.
B. "The medication can cause increased salivation": Increased salivation is not a common side effect of promethazine. While some antihistamines can cause dry mouth, which is the opposite of increased salivation, promethazine does not usually cause excessive salivation.
C. "This medication can cause pupil constriction": Pupil constriction (miosis) is a potential side effect of some medications, but it is not commonly associated with promethazine. Promethazine is more likely to cause pupil dilation (mydriasis) rather than constriction.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should monitor the client receiving long-term treatment with oral doses of prednisone for the development of osteoporosis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can lead to decreased bone density and increase the risk of fractures. Prolonged use of prednisone can interfere with calcium absorption and increase bone resorption, leading to osteoporosis.
Hypoglycemia (A) is not a common adverse effect of prednisone. In fact, prednisone can cause hyperglycemia and increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Hyperreflexia (B) is not typically associated with prednisone use. Hyperreflexia is an exaggerated reflex response and is not a common adverse effect of corticosteroid therapy.
Inflammatory bowel disease (D) is not an adverse effect of prednisone. In fact, prednisone is often used as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease to reduce inflammation and symptoms.
Therefore, the nurse should primarily monitor the client for the development of osteoporosis when receiving long-term treatment with oral doses of prednisone.
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