A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who is taking warfarin. Which of the following laboratory tests determines if the dose of medication is within the recommended target range?
Bleeding time
Factor VIII
aPTT
INR
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Bleeding time assesses platelet function, not warfarin’s anticoagulant effect. Warfarin inhibits vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, unrelated to platelets. Monitoring bleeding time does not reflect therapeutic anticoagulation levels, making it irrelevant for adjusting warfarin doses to prevent thrombosis or bleeding.
Choice B reason: Factor VIII, deficient in hemophilia A, is not affected by warfarin, which targets vitamin K-dependent factors (II, VII, IX, X). Measuring Factor VIII does not indicate warfarin’s efficacy, as it is unrelated to the drug’s mechanism, making it unsuitable for dose monitoring.
Choice C reason: aPTT monitors heparin’s effect on the intrinsic clotting pathway, not warfarin’s action on vitamin K-dependent factors. Warfarin requires INR for therapeutic monitoring, as aPTT is insensitive to its effects, making it inappropriate for assessing warfarin’s anticoagulation range in patients.
Choice D reason: INR standardizes prothrombin time, measuring warfarin’s effect on vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. It ensures therapeutic anticoagulation (e.g., INR 2-3), preventing thrombosis or bleeding. INR is the gold standard for warfarin monitoring, guiding dose adjustments for safe and effective therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: A quiet environment reduces sensory stimulation, which can elevate intracranial pressure (ICP) by increasing cerebral blood flow. Minimizing noise helps stabilize intracranial dynamics, preventing exacerbation of brain injury. This intervention supports neurological stability, critical in traumatic brain injury management to avoid secondary damage.
Choice B reason: Monitoring vital signs every 8 hours is inadequate for increased ICP, which requires frequent checks (e.g., every 1-2 hours). Changes in blood pressure or respiration signal worsening ICP, risking herniation. Infrequent monitoring delays detection of neurological deterioration, compromising timely intervention in brain injury.
Choice C reason: Coughing and deep breathing increase intrathoracic pressure, elevating ICP by impeding cerebral venous return. This is contraindicated in traumatic brain injury, as it risks worsening cerebral edema or causing herniation, potentially leading to severe neurological damage or fatal outcomes in affected clients.
Choice D reason: A 30-degree head-of-bed elevation promotes cerebral venous drainage, reducing ICP. This position optimizes cerebral perfusion pressure, minimizing venous congestion in traumatic brain injury. It is a critical intervention to prevent secondary brain injury, supporting neurological recovery by stabilizing intracranial dynamics effectively.
Choice E reason: Stool softeners prevent straining during bowel movements, which increases intrathoracic and intracranial pressure. In traumatic brain injury, straining risks exacerbating ICP, potentially causing herniation. This intervention ensures smoother bowel movements, maintaining ICP stability and supporting safe management of brain injury.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A WBC count of 1,300/mm³ indicates severe leukopenia, a contraindication for clozapine due to its risk of agranulocytosis. Low white cells increase infection risk, requiring immediate discontinuation or monitoring per FDA guidelines, making this the critical finding to identify.
Choice B reason: Hemoglobin of 16 g/dL is within normal range (14-18 g/dL) and does not contraindicate clozapine use. Normal hemoglobin supports adequate oxygen transport, so this finding is unremarkable and incorrect for identifying a contraindication.
Choice C reason: Fasting blood glucose of 124 mg/dL indicates mild elevation but is not a contraindication for clozapine, which may worsen glucose control. Monitoring is needed, but this level does not preclude use, making it incorrect.
Choice D reason: Platelet count of 200,000/mm³ is normal (150,000-450,000/mm³) and does not contraindicate clozapine. Normal platelets ensure proper clotting, so this finding is not a concern for clozapine administration, making it incorrect.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
