A nurse is preparing to administer warfarin to a client who has chronic atrial fibrillation. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor prior to administering the medication?
LDL
BUN
INR
Hct
The Correct Answer is C
A. LDL: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is used to assess cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk, but it does not influence warfarin therapy. Monitoring LDL is not relevant to dosing or safety of anticoagulation.
B. BUN: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) reflects kidney function, which is important for some medications, but warfarin is metabolized by the liver, not the kidneys. BUN is not required before administering warfarin.
C. INR: The international normalized ratio (INR) measures the effectiveness of warfarin and the client’s coagulation status. Monitoring INR ensures the dose is therapeutic and reduces the risk of bleeding or clot formation in atrial fibrillation.
D. Hct: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells and helps assess anemia or blood loss, but it does not guide warfarin dosing. While low Hct may indicate bleeding, INR is the primary laboratory value to monitor before administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Rash: A rash is not a typical manifestation of digoxin toxicity and is more often linked to allergic reactions or dermatologic conditions. While any new rash should be assessed, it does not specifically signal excessive digoxin levels.
B. Dyspnea: Shortness of breath can occur in many cardiac or pulmonary conditions, especially heart failure, but it is not a primary indicator of digoxin toxicity. Dyspnea alone does not reliably reflect rising digoxin concentrations.
C. Polyuria: Increased urine output is usually associated with diuretic use or endocrine disorders rather than digoxin. Digoxin does not stimulate urine production, so polyuria would not indicate toxicity.
D. Bradycardia: Digoxin slows conduction through the AV node, and excessive levels can significantly depress heart rate. A notable drop in pulse can signal toxicity and requires immediate intervention to prevent dangerous arrhythmias.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A. Pierce the puncture site quickly: The puncture is performed after proper site preparation and drying to minimize pain and reduce the risk of contamination. A quick puncture ensures adequate blood flow and less tissue trauma.
B. Allow the site to dry: After cleansing the site with an antiseptic swab, allowing it to air dry prevents alcohol or antiseptic residue from contaminating the blood sample. Residual moisture can interfere with test accuracy and cause stinging.
C. Cleanse the site with an antiseptic swab: Proper cleansing reduces the risk of infection at the puncture site. The site should be wiped using a circular motion and then allowed to dry completely before puncturing.
D. Apply blood to the test strip: Once a sufficient blood droplet is obtained, it is applied directly to the glucose test strip for accurate measurement. Proper application ensures the meter reads the correct glucose concentration.
E. Squeeze the site gently to obtain a blood droplet: Gentle pressure helps produce an adequate blood droplet without causing tissue trauma or hemolysis. Excessive squeezing can dilute the sample with interstitial fluid, affecting accuracy.
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