A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of heparin therapy?

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Prothrombin time (PT)

International normalized ratio (INR)

Platelet count

Hemoglobin.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is choice A) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). This is because aPTT is the most commonly used laboratory test to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin therapy.

Heparin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the formation of thrombin and fibrin, which are essential for blood clotting. Heparin therapy is indicated for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs or pelvis.

Choice B) Prothrombin time (PT) is wrong because PT is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.

Warfarin is another anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Warfarin therapy is also indicated for the treatment of DVT, but it has a different mechanism of action and monitoring than heparin therapy.

Choice C) International normalized ratio (INR) is wrong because INR is a standardized way of reporting PT results that accounts for the variability of different laboratory methods. INR is also used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.

Choice D) Platelet count is wrong because platelet count is not directly affected by heparin therapy. However, platelet count should be monitored periodically in patients receiving heparin therapy to detect heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), which is a rare but serious complication of heparin therapy that causes a drop in platelet count and an increased risk of thrombosis.

Choice E) Hemoglobin is wrong because hemoglobin is not directly affected by heparin therapy. However, hemoglobin should be monitored periodically in patients receiving heparin therapy to detect bleeding complications, which are the most common adverse effects of heparin therapy.

The normal range for aPTT is 25 to 35 seconds, but the therapeutic range for heparin therapy is usually 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal range, depending on the indication and protocol.

The normal range for PT is 11 to 13 seconds, and the therapeutic range for warfarin therapy is usually an INR of 2 to 3, depending on the indication and protocol

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Correct Answer is ["B"]

Explanation

Alteplase is a fibrinolytic agent that dissolves blood clots and restores blood flow.However, it also increases the risk of bleeding from any site, such as the nose, gums, injection sites, or internal organs.Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, such as bruising, hematuria, hematemesis, melena, or decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

Choice A is wrong because hypotension is not a common adverse effect of alteplase.Hypotension may occur due to blood loss from bleeding or other causes, such as dehydration, sepsis, or cardiac dysfunction.

Choice C is wrong because dysrhythmias are not a common adverse effect of alteplase.Dysrhythmias may occur due to pulmonary embolism itself, which can cause hypoxia, acidosis, and increased pulmonary artery pressure.

Choice D is wrong because nausea is not a common adverse effect of alteplase.Nausea may occur due to other factors, such as anxiety, pain, or medications.

Choice E is wrong because fever is not a common adverse effect of alteplase.Fever may occur due to infection, inflammation, or other causes.

A. “Avoid activities that may cause injury.” B. “Take medication with food.” C. “Report signs and symptoms of bleeding immediately.” D. “Monitor vital signs regularly.” E. “Do not take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).”.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

Apixaban (Eliquis) is a blood thinner that prevents blood clots from forming or growing larger.

It is used to treat or prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the legs.

It can also prevent pulmonary embolism (PE), a condition in which a blood clot breaks off and travels to the lungs, blocking blood flow and causing breathing problems.

Patients taking apixaban should follow these instructions:

• Avoid activities that may cause injury.

Apixaban can increase the risk of bleeding, so patients should be careful not to cut or bruise themselves.

They should use a soft toothbrush, an electric razor, and avoid contact sports or other activities that may cause bleeding.They should also wear a medical alert bracelet or carry an identification card that states they are taking apixaban.

• Report signs and symptoms of bleeding immediately.Patients should notify their doctor or seek emergency care if they have any signs of bleeding, such as unusual bruising, red or black stools, blood in the urine, coughing up blood, vomiting blood, nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding, headaches, dizziness, weakness, or swelling.

• Do not take aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

These drugs can also increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with the effects of apixaban.

Patients should avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDs unless prescribed by their doctor.They should also check the labels of any over-the-counter medications or supplements they use and avoid those that contain aspirin or NSAIDs.

Choice B and D are wrong because:

• Take medication with food.Apixaban can be taken with or without food.Taking it with food does not affect its absorption or efficacy.

Therefore, this instruction is not necessary for patients taking apixaban.

• Monitor vital signs regularly.Apixaban does not affect blood pressure, heart rate, or oxygen saturation.

Therefore, monitoring vital signs regularly is not required for patients taking apixaban.However, patients should still follow their doctor’s advice on how often to check their blood tests, such as hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets.

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A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of heparin therapy?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has pulmonary embolism and is receiving alteplase via continuous IV infusion.The nurse should monitor for which adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B"]

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed apixaban (Eliquis) for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which instructions should be included in patient teaching? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

A patient is ordered to start an IV continuous Heparin drip. Prior to starting the medication, the nurse would ensure what information is gathered correctly before initiating the drip? Select all that apply: *.

A client has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in patient teaching? Select all that apply.

A nurse is caring for a patient who has been prescribed enoxaparin (Lovenox) subcutaneously for prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse should instruct the patient to:

A nurse is caring for a client who has variant angina and is prescribed verapamil. Which of the following are expected outcomes of this medication? (Select all that apply.)

A patient has been prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Which laboratory test should be monitored while on this medication?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has received alteplase [Activase]. It is most important for the nurse to take which action?

A client who has atrial fibrillation is prescribed dabigatran etexilate mesylate (Pradaxa). The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following findings immediately? (Select all that apply.)