Heparin Infusion Review.
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion.
Which of the following results indicates the nurse should decrease the infusion rate?
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 18 mm/hr.
aPTT 90 seconds.
INR.2.
Platelets 350,000/mm.
The Correct Answer is B
Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that is used to decrease the clotting ability of the blood and help prevent harmful clots from forming in blood vessels.
The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is a laboratory test commonly used to monitor unfractionated heparin therapy.
An aPTT value of 90 seconds is above the therapeutic range and indicates that the heparin infusion rate should be decreased.
Choice A is wrong because Erythrocyte sedimentation rate 18 mm/hr, is not the correct answer because it is not used to monitor heparin therapy.
Choice C is wrong because INR.2, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for INR values and is not used to monitor heparin therapy.
Choice D is wrong because Platelets 350,000/mm, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for platelet counts and is not used to monitor heparin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant medication that can have nephrotoxic effects.
A creatinine level of.5 mg/dL is above the normal range and may indicate impaired kidney function.
The nurse should report this value to the provider for further evaluation.
Choice B is wrong because Potassium 4.2 mEq/L, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for potassium levels in the blood.
Choice C is wrong because BUN 18 mg/dL, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for blood urea nitrogen levels.
Choice D is wrong because Sodium 139 mEq/L, is not the correct answer because it falls within the normal range for sodium levels in the blood.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Methimazole is a medication used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone.
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, can be a sign that the client’s thyroid hormone levels have become too low, indicating that the dose of methimazole may need to be decreased.
Choice A is wrong because Exophthalmos, is not an indication for a lower dose of methimazole as it is a symptom of Graves’ disease itself and not related to the medication.
Choice B is wrong because Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, is also not an indication for a lower dose of methimazole as it can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism.
Choice D is wrong because Weight loss, is also not an indication for a lower dose of methimazole as it can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism.
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