The oncoming nurse sees that the patient is receiving IV heparin at 7 mL/hr. The concentration of the heparin is 50,000 units in 250 ml of saline. The patient is ordered 1600 units of heparin per hour. The lab calls the oncoming nurse with the result of the patient's activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT) is 37 seconds. What actions will the oncoming nurse take? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
notify the prescriber about the current dose of heparin the patient is receiving
ask the nurse leaving to place a second IV & anticipate an order for IV 0.9 saline
assess the patient's site for manifestations of infiltration
read the pt's lab result back to the lab technician confirming the pt's name & date of birth
notify the prescriber & anticipate an order to give protamine sulfate
Correct Answer : A,C
A. The nurse should notify the prescriber about the current dose (7 mL/hr) because the patient is ordered 1600 units of heparin per hour. The current infusion rate needs to be assessed in relation to the aPTT result, especially if the aPTT indicates that the patient may be at risk for bleeding.
B. While having a second IV may be useful for administering fluids or medications in case of a bleeding emergency, there is no immediate indication for IV 0.9 saline in this scenario. The priority is to assess the heparin dosage and aPTT before making additional IV arrangements.
C. It’s important to assess the IV site for signs of infiltration, especially since the patient is on heparin therapy. Infiltration can affect the effectiveness of the medication and cause complications, so this assessment is vital.
D. While it is important to verify lab results, the nurse should primarily focus on addressing the current situation regarding the heparin infusion and the patient’s anticoagulation status rather than confirming lab results with the lab technician at this moment.
E. While protamine sulfate is an antidote to heparin, it is not warranted based solely on the aPTT result of 37 seconds. The normal aPTT range is typically around 30-40 seconds, depending on the laboratory standards, and the aPTT may not indicate that the patient requires reversal of heparin at this time.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While positioning a patient prone can help with certain surgical recovery situations, it is not typically used immediately after an above-the-knee amputation. Additionally, elevating the arms may not provide any benefit and could cause discomfort.
B. This position can increase the risk of contractures in the residual limb, especially with an above-the- knee amputation. Keeping the stump flat may also lead to swelling and discomfort.
C. This position allows for proper elevation of the stump, which can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Supporting the stump on pillows prevents the risk of contractures and maintains the limb in a neutral position. It provides comfort and stability while facilitating blood flow.
D. While this position can help with venous return and reduce the risk of complications such as orthostatic hypotension, it is not specifically beneficial for an above-the-knee amputation recovery. It may not adequately address the need for proper stump support and elevation.
Correct Answer is ["6.2"]
Explanation
Total daily dose in mg:
1.5 grams/day = 1500 mg/day Dose per administration in mg:
1500 mg/day ÷ 3 doses/day = 500 mg/dose Volume to be administered per dose in mL:
(500 mg/dose) / (400 mg/5 mL) = 6.25 mL/dose
Rounding to the nearest tenth, the nurse will administer 6.2 mL per dose.
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