What is the most important action when caring for a client on intravenous heparin?

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Question 1 of 5

What is the most important action when caring for a client on intravenous heparin?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor aPTT levels. This is crucial in intravenous heparin therapy to ensure the therapeutic range is maintained for anticoagulation without causing bleeding. Monitoring aPTT helps adjust heparin dosage to prevent clot formation or excessive bleeding. B: Monitoring for bleeding is important but not the most important action compared to monitoring aPTT levels for appropriate dosing. C: Checking platelet count is important for some anticoagulants like heparin, but aPTT monitoring is more directly related to heparin's anticoagulant effect. D: Administering a heparin antidote (protamine sulfate) is necessary in case of heparin overdose or in emergency situations but is not the primary action in routine care.

Question 2 of 5

What is the first intervention for a client with an acute asthma attack?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. In an acute asthma attack, the priority is to open the airways and improve breathing. Bronchodilators work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways, allowing the client to breathe easier. Corticosteroids are used for long-term control, not immediate relief. Oxygen therapy may be needed if the client's oxygen levels are low. Pain medication is not indicated for an acute asthma attack as the primary issue is airway constriction, not pain. Administering bronchodilators first helps address the immediate breathing difficulty in an asthma attack.

Question 3 of 5

What is the first priority for a client who has developed signs of shock?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. In the case of shock, the first priority is to restore circulating volume to improve tissue perfusion. IV fluids help increase blood volume and improve oxygen delivery to vital organs, addressing the underlying cause of shock. Choice B (Administer oxygen) can be important but is not the first priority. Choice C (Place the client in a supine position) may worsen certain types of shock. Choice D (Monitor blood pressure) is important but not the first action needed to address shock. Administering IV fluids promptly can stabilize the client's condition and prevent further deterioration.

Question 4 of 5

What should the nurse do first for a client who is post-operative and experiencing confusion?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Place in a safe environment. This is the first priority to ensure the safety of the confused post-operative client. Placing the client in a safe environment prevents harm from falls or accidents. Reorienting the client (choice A) can come after ensuring safety. Administering pain relief (choices C and D) should be done based on assessment but is not the first priority when the client is confused.

Question 5 of 5

What should the nurse do first for a client who is post-operative and experiences confusion?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Reorient the client. This is the first step because confusion post-operatively could be due to anesthesia, pain medications, or disorientation. Reorienting the client helps bring them back to reality and decrease anxiety. B: Monitoring for signs of infection would be important but not the initial step for confusion. C: Monitoring serum electrolytes is important but not the immediate priority for confusion. D: Applying a cold compress is not relevant for confusion in a post-operative client.

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