The nurse is caring for a client receiving a heparin infusion for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which of the following lab results would indicate a sub-therapeutic level? An activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of :……. (normal value: 25-35 seconds)
119 seconds
98 seconds
37 seconds
69 seconds
The Correct Answer is D
A. A value of 119 seconds would indicate a therapeutic or even elevated level of heparin, as it is much higher than the normal aPTT range.
B. A value of 98 seconds is still above the normal aPTT range, suggesting that the heparin level is therapeutic, or even too high, but not sub-therapeutic.
C. This is just slightly above the normal range and might be considered a therapeutic range for someone
on heparin, but it’s not sub-therapeutic.
D. This aPTT value is above the normal range but likely not high enough to indicate therapeutic heparin levels, which should typically be between 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal aPTT. A sub-therapeutic level could be indicated with a lower value.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The 12-lead EKG might be unnecessary right now, especially since the client has no other alarming symptoms. Bumetanide is also not indicated for nausea or tachycardia in this scenario.
B. There is no clear indication that the nausea is related to acid reflux or GI distress that would justify pantoprazole.
C. The tachycardia could be physiological, and treating it with a beta-blocker is unnecessary unless there is a more concerning underlying cause (like heart failure or ischemia). The priority here is not pharmacological intervention but monitoring the client's overall condition.
D. This action allows for appropriate monitoring of the client's condition. Sinus tachycardia may resolve on its own without intervention, and the client doesn't exhibit severe symptoms requiring immediate pharmacologic treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A decreased D-dimer level is a positive outcome, as D-dimer is elevated in DIC due to the formation of clots and the breakdown of fibrin. Lower levels indicate less clot formation and better control of the condition.
B. Fibrinogen levels are typically low in DIC due to consumption of clotting factors. Elevated fibrinogen in this case would be a negative indicator, suggesting that clotting is not resolving.
C. A decreased platelet count is a hallmark of DIC and indicates ongoing consumption of platelets due to widespread clotting. A decrease would not be a positive outcome.
D. A prolonged PT is another indicator of DIC, suggesting impaired clotting function. This is not a positive outcome.
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