A patient receiving heparin therapy develops bruising and bleeding gums. What should the nurse suspect and what is the appropriate action?
Suspect an allergic reaction and administer antihistamines.
Suspect a bleeding complication and notify the healthcare provider.
Suspect a hypersensitivity reaction and discontinue the heparin immediately.
Suspect an infection and initiate antibiotic therapy.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Bruising and bleeding gums are not indicative of an allergic reaction, which would typically present with different symptoms such as rash, itching, or swelling. Administering antihistamines would not address the underlying issue.
B. The development of bruising and bleeding gums in a patient on heparin therapy suggests a bleeding complication, which is a known risk of anticoagulation therapy. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider to assess the situation and possibly adjust treatment or perform further evaluations.
C. While hypersensitivity reactions can occur with medications, the symptoms presented here are more aligned with bleeding complications than with hypersensitivity. Discontinuing heparin without consulting the provider could put the patient at risk for thromboembolic events.
D. The symptoms do not indicate an infection; therefore, initiating antibiotic therapy would not be appropriate in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Nitrates do not share a cross-sensitivity with penicillin and are safe to use in this client.
B. Tetracycline is a different class of antibiotics and does not have cross-sensitivity with penicillin.
C. Aminoglycosides also do not have cross-sensitivity with penicillin and can be safely administered.
D. Cephalosporins are structurally related to penicillin and have a risk of cross-sensitivity; thus, they should not be given to a client with a history of anaphylaxis to penicillin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While metoclopramide may have some effect on gastric acid secretion, its primary role is not to reduce it.
B. Metoclopramide primarily enhances gastrointestinal motility, which helps to facilitate gastric emptying and is especially useful in treating conditions like gastroparesis.
C. Metoclopramide does not specifically relieve abdominal pain; it focuses more on motility and nausea.
D. Although metoclopramide does have antiemetic properties, it primarily acts as a dopamine receptor antagonist rather than directly inhibiting serotonin.
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