A nurse is caring for a female client who has deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and is receiving heparin via continuous IV infusion. The client's weight is 80 kg (176.4 lb)
Using the client information provided, which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Click on the "Exhibit" button below for additional information about the client. There are three tabs that contain separate categories of data.)
Stop the heparin infusion for 1 hr.
Increase the rate of the infusion by 160 units/hr.
Administer heparin 2,400 unit IV bolus.
Continue the infusion without change.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Stop the heparin infusion for 1 hr: The client’s aPTT is 105 seconds, which is above the protocol threshold of >95 seconds. Per the titration guidelines, the nurse should hold the infusion for 60 minutes and decrease the rate by 3 units/kg/hr after the hold to reduce bleeding risk.
B. Increase the rate of the infusion by 160 units/hr: Increasing the infusion is appropriate only when aPTT is between 30–49 seconds. Since this client's aPTT is elevated, increasing the rate would further prolong clotting time and increase the risk of hemorrhage.
C. Administer heparin 2,400 unit IV bolus: Bolus doses are prescribed only for low aPTT values (30–49 seconds). Giving a bolus when aPTT is elevated can worsen anticoagulation and significantly increase the potential for bleeding complications.
D. Continue the infusion without change: Continuing the infusion is appropriate when aPTT is within the therapeutic range (50–70 seconds). This client’s aPTT is well above that range, indicating excessive anticoagulation that requires adjustment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Lie down after meals.": Lying down after eating increases the risk of gastric contents refluxing into the esophagus due to gravity. Clients with GERD should remain upright for at least 2 to 3 hours after meals to minimize symptoms.
B. "Elevate the head of the bed while sleeping.": Elevating the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches helps prevent nighttime reflux by using gravity to reduce backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, which is a key strategy in GERD management.
C. "Eat a snack 1 hour before going to bed.": Eating close to bedtime can exacerbate GERD symptoms by increasing gastric volume and acid production, especially when the client lies down soon after eating. A longer gap between the last meal and sleep is advised.
D. "Eat three large meals each day.": Large meals increase gastric pressure and acid production, worsening reflux symptoms. Clients with GERD should eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce gastric distension and minimize acid reflux episodes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Hypernatremia: While mild hypernatremia can occur in severe dehydration, it is not a defining or consistent feature of type 1 diabetes. Electrolyte imbalances may vary depending on hydration and glucose levels.
B. Decreased serum osmolality: In type 1 diabetes, serum osmolality is typically increased due to hyperglycemia and the osmotic effect of glucose in the bloodstream, which draws water out of cells and into the vascular space. A decrease would be inconsistent with the expected metabolic state.
C. Ketones in the urine: Ketones in the urine are a hallmark of type 1 diabetes, especially when insulin is deficient. Without insulin, the body breaks down fat for energy, producing ketones as a byproduct, which can be detected in the urine during diabetic ketoacidosis.
D. Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is a complication of diabetes management, often resulting from too much insulin or missed meals. It is not a presenting manifestation of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, which typically presents with hyperglycemia and related symptoms.
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