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

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["0.8"]

Explanation

To calculate the amount of morphine to administer, we can use the following formula:

Amount of medication (mL) = Desired dose (mg) / Concentration (mg/mL)

In this case, the desired dose is 8 mg and the concentration is 10 mg/mL.

Amount of medication (mL) = 8 mg / 10 mg/mL

Amount of medication (mL) = 0.8 mL

Therefore, the nurse should administer 0.8 mL of morphine.

A. Administer aspirin instead of acetaminophen for fever B. Ambulate the client as often as tolerated C. Administer a sodium phosphate enema for constipation D. Monitor for changes in level of consciousness

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

When planning care for a client who had a myocardial infarction and is receiving thrombolytic therapy with an IV infusion of alteplase, the nurse should include the intervention of monitoring for changes in the client's level of consciousness.

Alteplase is a thrombolytic medication used to break down blood clots in certain medical emergencies, such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) or ischemic stroke. One of the potential complications of thrombolytic therapy, including alteplase, is bleeding. The medication's action of breaking down blood clots can also affect the body's natural clotting mechanisms, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Bleeding in the brain is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication associated with thrombolytic therapy. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the client for any signs of intracranial bleeding, such as changes in the level of consciousness, confusion, severe headache, slurred speech, or weakness on one side of the body.

Let's go through the other options:

A. Administer aspirin instead of acetaminophen for fever: While aspirin is commonly used in the management of myocardial infarction, it is not specifically indicated for fever. Acetaminophen is the preferred antipyretic medication for fever management in most cases, and it does not interfere with the action of thrombolytic therapy.

B. Ambulate the client as often as tolerated: While early ambulation is beneficial for clients with myocardial infarction, it may not be appropriate during thrombolytic therapy. Thrombolytic therapy carries an increased risk of bleeding, and ambulation may be limited or contraindicated during the treatment period, depending on the client's overall condition and bleeding risk.

C. Administer a sodium phosphate enema for constipation: The administration of a sodium phosphate enema is not a specific intervention related to thrombolytic therapy or myocardial infarction. Bowel management is important for client comfort and overall well-being, but it is not a priority intervention in the immediate care of a client undergoing thrombolytic therapy.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer morphine 8 mg IV intermittent bolus to a client. The amount available is morphine 10 mg/mL. How many mL should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Correct Answer is ["0.8"]

Explanation

A nurse in the emergency department is planning care for a client who had a myocardial infarction and is receiving thrombolytic therapy with an WV infusion of alteplase. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse evaluate prior to administering the first dose?

A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of TPN

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving diazepam as sedation for an endoscopy, Which of the following antidotes should the nurse have on hand during the procedure?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for atenolol. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has chronic rheumatoid arthritis and a new prescription for hydroxychloroquine. The nurse should instruct the client to obtain which of the following diagnostic studies routinely?

A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for rifampin. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

A nurse is caring for a client who has congestive heart failure and is taking captopril. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider as a potential adverse effect of captopril?