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
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can increase potassium levels in the blood.
It is important for clients taking spironolactone to limit their intake of potassium-rich foods to prevent hyperkalemia (high potassium levels).
Choice B is wrong because “I will take the medication on an empty stomach,” is not the correct answer because spironolactone can be taken with or without food.
Choice C is wrong because “I will use salt substitutes in place of table salt,” is not the correct answer because many salt substitutes contain potassium and can increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
Choice D is wrong because “I will double up on my medication if I miss a dose,” is not the correct answer because it is not recommended to double up on medication if a dose is missed.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is C. "I should stay upright for at least 15 minutes after taking this medication."
Choice A rationale:
Black stools are a common side effect of iron supplements and do not usually require notification of the provider unless accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Choice B rationale:
Iron supplements should not be taken with milk because calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron, reducing its effectiveness.
Choice C rationale:
Staying upright for at least 15 minutes after taking ferrous gluconate helps prevent the risk of esophageal irritation or discomfort, which indicates the client's correct understanding of this key instruction.
Choice D rationale:
Taking an antacid with ferrous gluconate is not recommended because antacids can interfere with the absorption of iron, reducing its efficacy.
Choice E rationale:
This is the same as Choice D and also incorrect for the same reason regarding the interaction between antacids and iron absorption.
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