The health care provider prescribes an infusion of heparin and daily partial thromboplastin time (PTT) testing for a patient with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care?

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Question 1 of 5

The health care provider prescribes an infusion of heparin and daily partial thromboplastin time (PTT) testing for a patient with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoid giving IM medications to prevent localized bleeding. When a patient is on heparin therapy with PTT monitoring, it is crucial to avoid IM injections to prevent localized bleeding due to the anticoagulant effects of heparin. IM injections can lead to hematomas and increased bleeding risk. Monitoring for bilateral pedal pulses (A) is important for assessing circulation but not directly related to heparin therapy. Decreasing the infusion when PTT is 65 seconds (B) is not appropriate as the therapeutic range for PTT varies depending on the patient's condition. Having vitamin K available (D) is not necessary for heparin reversal as vitamin K does not reverse the effects of heparin.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse notes that a patient has incisional pain, a poor cough effort, and scattered coarse crackles after a thoracotomy. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action is to medicate the patient with prescribed morphine first. The patient is experiencing incisional pain, poor cough effort, and coarse crackles, indicating possible atelectasis or pneumonia post-thoracotomy. Morphine will help relieve the pain, improve cough effort, and decrease anxiety associated with breathing difficulties. It is essential to address pain and discomfort to facilitate effective coughing and deep breathing exercises, promoting optimal lung expansion and preventing respiratory complications. Sitting upright, splinting the chest, or using the incentive spirometer are important interventions but addressing the pain is the priority in this situation.

Question 3 of 5

The nurse analyzes the results of a patient’s arterial blood gases (ABGs). Which finding requires immediate action?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a PaO2 level of 62 mm Hg indicates severe hypoxemia, which is a critical condition requiring immediate action to prevent tissue damage and organ failure. Normal PaO2 levels are around 80-100 mm Hg. A low PaO2 indicates poor oxygenation of the blood. Choice A (HCO3?2-) being slightly elevated is not an emergency but may indicate metabolic alkalosis. Choice B (SaO2) at 92% is within the normal range for most patients. Choice C (PaCO2) at 31 mm Hg is also within normal limits and suggests adequate ventilation. In summary, a low PaO2 level is the most critical finding that requires immediate intervention compared to the other choices.

Question 4 of 5

The nurse is performing tuberculosis (TB) skin tests in a clinic that has many patients who have immigrated to the United States. Which question is important for the nurse to ask before the skin test?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D. The BCG vaccine can cause a false-positive TB skin test result. Asking if the patient received the BCG vaccine is crucial to interpret the TB skin test accurately. If the patient received the BCG vaccine, the nurse should consider alternative diagnostic tests for TB. Incorrect choices: A: Asking about OTC medications is not directly related to the accuracy of the TB skin test. B: Family history of TB is important for assessing the patient's risk but does not impact the interpretation of the skin test. C: The duration of time since moving to the US may provide context but does not influence the TB skin test results.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse cares for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The client states that going out with friends is no longer enjoyable. How would the nurse respond?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates therapeutic communication by encouraging the client to express their thoughts and feelings. This approach helps the nurse understand the underlying reasons for the client's behavior and can lead to addressing issues such as anxiety or depression. Option A is incorrect as it doesn't address the client's emotional needs. Option B is incorrect as prescribing medication should not be the first response to social withdrawal. Option D is incorrect as it overlooks the importance of exploring the client's emotional state. Overall, option C is the best choice as it promotes open communication and a holistic approach to addressing the client's concerns.

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