A client diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving intravenous heparin. Which is the priority outcome for this client?
- A. The client will not disturb the intravenous infusion.
- B. The client will comply with dietary restrictions.
- C. The client will not experience bleeding.
- D. The client will keep the right leg elevated on two pillows.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority outcome for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) receiving intravenous heparin is to prevent bleeding. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication used to prevent the formation of blood clots, but one of its potential side effects is bleeding due to its ability to prevent blood clotting. It is crucial to closely monitor the client for signs of bleeding while on heparin therapy, such as easy bruising, black or tarry stools, blood in the urine, or excessive bleeding from wounds. Preventing bleeding is essential to avoid complications associated with anticoagulant therapy.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse hears a grating sound while assessing the range of motion of a patient’s hip. How should the nurse document this finding?
- A. Crackles
- B. Arthritis
- C. Synovitis
- D. Crepitation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Crepitation refers to a grating sound or sensation that occurs when there is rubbing together of the roughened articular surfaces of bones within a joint. It is commonly associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis or joint injury. Therefore, if the nurse hears a grating sound while assessing the range of motion of a patient's hip, the appropriate documentation of this finding would be crepitation.
A client who is taking beta-adrenergic blockers for angina is experiencing hypovolemic shock. Which does the nurse anticipate being the priority collaborative intervention for this client?
- A. Administering analgesics for control of pain
- B. Assessing the cause of bleeding
- C. Providing replacement of volume
- D. Establishing invasive cardiac monitoring
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a client experiencing hypovolemic shock, the priority collaborative intervention is to provide replacement of volume to improve tissue perfusion and restore organ function. Hypovolemic shock is characterized by a significant loss of intravascular volume, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Beta-adrenergic blockers can exacerbate hypovolemic shock by further decreasing cardiac output and blood pressure. Therefore, the immediate priority is to address the hypovolemia by providing volume replacement through fluid resuscitation to stabilize the patient before assessing the cause of bleeding or establishing invasive cardiac monitoring. Administering analgesics for pain control is important but not the priority in this situation.
A client with cardiomyopathy receiving diuretic therapy has a urine output of 200 mL in 8 hours. Which action by the nurse is correct?
- A. Assist the client to ambulate.
- B. Document a normal urine output.
- C. Notify the healthcare provider.
- D. Measure abdominal girth.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A urine output of 200 mL in 8 hours is considered low, especially for a client with cardiomyopathy who is receiving diuretic therapy. This could indicate inadequate cardiac output or worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the nurse to notify the healthcare provider promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to address the underlying cause and prevent further complications. Waiting for improvement without taking action could lead to deterioration in the client's condition.
The nurse is planning discharge teaching to a client with diabetes who has a large wound. Which is the priority action for the nurse prior to initiating teaching with this client?
- A. Asking the client to state what is known about the current dressing changes
- B. Teaching the client how to take blood sugars
- C. Assessing the client's ability to self-administer insulin
- D. Determining the client's reaction to having diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority action for the nurse before initiating discharge teaching with a client with diabetes and a large wound is to assess the client's current knowledge regarding dressing changes. This step is crucial as it helps the nurse to understand the client's baseline understanding and skills related to wound care, which will guide the teaching process effectively. By asking the client to state what they know about the current dressing changes, the nurse can identify any knowledge gaps or misconceptions that need to be addressed. This assessment will ensure that the teaching is tailored to the client's specific needs and promotes successful wound healing and overall diabetes management.
The nurse is caring for an adult client who was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect as a child, which was later repaired with surgery. Which common complication of a heart defect should the nurse monitor that the client may still be at risk for?
- A. Deep vein thrombosis
- B. Endocarditis
- C. Atherosclerosis
- D. Shock
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Endocarditis is a common complication that individuals with repaired congenital heart defects may still be at risk for. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves. The altered structure of the heart tissue from the previous defect and surgery can create an increased risk for bacterial growth and infection. Patients with a history of congenital heart defects should be monitored for signs and symptoms of endocarditis, such as fever, fatigue, new heart murmurs, and evidence of systemic embolization. Prophylactic antibiotics before certain dental and surgical procedures may be recommended to prevent endocarditis in this population. Therefore, the nurse should be vigilant in monitoring for any symptoms suggestive of endocarditis in this client.