Nokea
A patient with a pulmonary embolism is being treated with a heparin infusion. What diagnostic finding suggests to the nurse that treatment is effective?
- A. The patient's PT is within reference ranges.
- B. Arterial blood sampling tests positive for the presence of factor XIII.
- C. The patient's platelet level is below 100,000/mm3.
- D. The patient's activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The therapeutic effect of heparin is monitored by serial measurements of the aPTT; the dose is adjusted to maintain the range at 1.5 to 2.5 times the laboratory control. Heparin dosing is not determined on the basis of platelet levels, the presence or absence of clotting factors, or PT levels.
You may also like to solve these questions
A young man with a diagnosis of hemophilia A has been brought to emergency department after suffering a workplace accident resulting in bleeding. Rapid assessment has revealed the source of the patient's bleeding and established that his vital signs are stable. What should be the nurse's next action?
- A. Position the patient in a prone position to minimize bleeding.
- B. Establish IV access for the administration of vitamin K.
- C. Prepare for the administration of factor VIII.
- D. Administer a normal saline bolus to increase circulatory volume.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Injuries in patients with hemophilia necessitate prompt administration of clotting factors. Vitamin K is not a treatment modality and a prone position will not be appropriate for all types and locations of wounds. A normal saline bolus is not indicated.
A patient is admitted to the diagnosis of pernicious anemia. The nurse should prepare to administer which of the following medications?
- A. Folic acid
- B. Vitamin B12
- C. Lactulose
- D. Magnesium sulfate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pernicious anemia is characterized by vitamin B12 deficiency. Magnesium sulfate, lactulose, and folic acid do not address the pathology of this type of anemia.
A patient, 25 years of age, comes to the emergency department complaining of excessive bleeding from a cut sustained when cleaning a knife. Blood work shows a prolonged PT but a vitamin K deficiency is ruled out. When assessing the patient, areas of ecchymosis are noted on other areas of the body. Which of the following is the most plausible cause of the patients signs and symptoms?
- A. Lymphoma
- B. Leukemia
- C. Hemophilia
- D. Hepatic dysfunction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prolongation of the PT, unless it is caused by vitamin K deficiency, may indicate severe hepatic dysfunction. The majority of hemophiliacs are diagnosed as children. The scenario does not describe signs or symptoms of lymphoma or leukemia.
The medical nurse is aware that patients with sickle cell anemia benefit from understanding what situations can precipitate a sickle cell crisis. When teaching a patient with sickle cell anemia about strategies to prevent crises, what measures should the nurse recommend?
- A. Using prophylactic antibiotics and performing meticulous hygiene
- B. Maximizing physical activity and taking OTC iron supplements
- C. Limiting psychosocial stress and eating a high-protein diet
- D. Avoiding cold temperatures and ensuring sufficient hydration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Keeping warm and providing adequate hydration can be effective in diminishing the occurrence and severity of attacks. Hygiene, antibiotics, and high protein intake do not prevent crises. Maximizing activity may exacerbate pain and be unrealistic.
The nurse is assessing a new patient with complaints of overwhelming fatigue and a sore tongue that is visibly smooth and beefy red. This patient is demonstrating signs and symptoms associated with what form of what hematologic disorder?
- A. Sickle cell anemia
- B. Hemophilia
- C. Megaloblastic anemia
- D. Thrombocytopenia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A red, smooth, sore tongue is a symptom associated with megaloblastic anemia. Sickle cell disease, hemophilia, and thrombocytopenia do not have symptoms involving the tongue.