A nurse is preparing to administer heparin subcutaneously to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Administer the medication outside the 5 cm (2 in) radius of the umbilicus.
- B. Aspirate for blood return before injecting.
- C. Rub vigorously after the injection to promote absorption.
- D. Place a pressure dressing on the injection site to prevent bleeding.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer the medication outside the 5 cm (2 in) radius of the umbilicus. This is because injecting heparin near the umbilicus can lead to bruising or hematoma formation. Subcutaneous injections are generally given in the fatty tissue of the abdomen, but it is important to avoid the area around the umbilicus to prevent discomfort and complications. Aspiration for blood return (B) is not necessary for subcutaneous injections as they are not typically administered into a blood vessel. Rubbing vigorously after the injection (C) is not recommended as it can cause tissue damage. Placing a pressure dressing on the injection site (D) is also unnecessary for subcutaneous injections.
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Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care for a client who has hypertension and is to start taking metoprolol?
- A. Weigh the client weekly
- B. Determine apical pulse prior to administering
- C. Administer the medication 30 minutes before breakfast
- D. Monitor the client for jaundice
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Determine apical pulse prior to administering. Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that can lower heart rate. By assessing the apical pulse before administering, the nurse can ensure the heart rate is within the safe range for medication administration. Weighing the client weekly (A) is not directly related to metoprolol therapy. Administering the medication 30 minutes before breakfast (C) is not specific timing for metoprolol. Monitoring for jaundice (D) is not a common side effect of metoprolol.
Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. A client who has a prescription for heparin and an aPTT of 90 seconds (normal range 30-40 sec)
- B. A client who has a prescription for heparin and an aPTT of 65 seconds (normal range 30-40 sec)
- C. A client who has a prescription for warfarin and an INR of 3.0 (normal range 0.8-1.1)
- D. A client who has a prescription for warfarin and an INR of 2.0 (normal range 0.8-1.1)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. An aPTT of 90 seconds is above the normal range of 30-40 sec, indicating the client is at risk for bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation with heparin. This result should be reported to the provider immediately for further evaluation and possible adjustment of the heparin dose to prevent bleeding complications. Choices B, C, and D all fall within the normal range for their respective medications, so they do not require immediate reporting.
The nurse is ready to begin the blood transfusion. For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the action is indicated or not indicated for the client. Nursing Action: Document the blood product transfusion in the client's medical record.
- A. Indicated
- B. Not indicated
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Indicated. Documenting the blood product transfusion in the client's medical record is crucial for legal, ethical, and continuity of care reasons. Documentation ensures that all relevant information about the transfusion is recorded accurately, including the type of blood product, volume infused, patient's vital signs, any adverse reactions, and the healthcare provider's orders. This documentation serves as a permanent record of the procedure, aiding in monitoring the patient's response to the transfusion and facilitating communication among healthcare team members. Failure to document the blood transfusion can lead to serious consequences, such as improper monitoring, increased risk of errors, and compromised patient safety. Therefore, documenting the blood product transfusion in the client's medical record is a vital and necessary nursing action. Other choices are incorrect as they do not address the importance of documentation in ensuring safe and effective patient care.
Which of the following actions of sucralfate should the nurse include in the teaching for a client who is to start a new prescription for sucralfate for peptic ulcer disease?
- A. Decreases stomach acid secretion
- B. Neutralizes acids in the stomach
- C. Forms a protective barrier over ulcers
- D. Treats ulcers by eradicating H. pylori
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Forms a protective barrier over ulcers. Sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over ulcers in the stomach and small intestine, providing a physical barrier to prevent further damage from stomach acid. This action helps promote healing of the ulcers. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because sucralfate does not decrease stomach acid secretion, neutralize acids in the stomach, or treat ulcers by eradicating H. pylori bacteria. It is important for the nurse to educate the client on the mechanism of action of sucralfate to ensure understanding and adherence to the treatment plan.
Which of the following over-the-counter medications should the nurse identify that the client should discontinue when starting lithium?
- A. Aspirin
- B. Ibuprofen
- C. Famotidine
- D. Bisacodyl
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can increase lithium levels and lead to toxicity. NSAIDs compete with lithium for renal excretion, resulting in higher lithium levels. Aspirin (choice A) is not typically contraindicated with lithium. Famotidine (choice C) and Bisacodyl (choice D) do not have significant interactions with lithium.