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 A
Explanation
A. Iron dextran: Iron dextran is irritating to subcutaneous tissue and can stain the skin, so the Z-track method is used to seal the medication deep in the muscle. This technique creates a zigzag path that prevents leakage back through the needle track. Using this method reduces pain and minimizes skin discoloration.
B. Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is typically given as a standard IM injection because it does not cause tissue staining or significant irritation. It is well tolerated without the need for special injection techniques.
C. Epoetin alfa: Epoetin alfa is administered subcutaneously or intravenously, not intramuscularly, so the Z-track method does not apply. Its purpose is to stimulate erythropoiesis, and the injection sites used do not require a sealing technique.
D. Folic acid: Folic acid is generally taken orally unless severe deficiency requires parenteral supplementation, which is usually given IV or deep subcutaneous. It does not irritate tissues or cause staining, so a Z-track technique offers no added benefit.
Correct Answer is ["119"]
Explanation
- Convert Patient Weight from Pounds (lb) to Kilograms (kg)
The conversion factor is 1 kg = 2.2 lb.
Weight in kg = Weight in lb / 2.2
= 175 lb/ 2.2 lb/kg
= 79.545 kg
- Calculate the Total Dose in Milligrams (mg)
Ordered Dose: 1.5 mg/kg
Total Dose (mg) = Ordered Dose (mg/kg) x Weight (kg)
= 1.5 mg/kg x 79.545 kg
= 119.3175 mg
- Round to the Nearest Whole Number
= 119.
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