how should a nurse monitor for bleeding in a patient on warfarin

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam 2023

1. How should bleeding in a patient on warfarin be monitored?

A. Monitor INR levels
B. Monitor hemoglobin levels
C. Monitor potassium levels
D. Monitor platelet count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor INR levels. INR levels are the most critical indicator for monitoring bleeding risk in patients on warfarin. INR stands for International Normalized Ratio and specifically measures the clotting tendency of the blood. Monitoring hemoglobin levels, potassium levels, or platelet count are not as directly relevant to assessing bleeding risk in patients on warfarin.

2. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a prescription for a bowel-training program following a spinal cord injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A. Encourage a maximum fluid intake of 1,500 ml per day.
B. Increase the intake of refined grains in the client's diet.
C. Provide the client with a cold drink prior to defecation.
D. Administer a rectal suppository 30 minutes prior to scheduled defecation times.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering a rectal suppository 30 minutes before scheduled defecation times is essential in a bowel-training program following a spinal cord injury. The suppository helps stimulate bowel movements and aids in establishing a regular bowel routine. Encouraging a maximum fluid intake of 1,500 ml per day (Choice A) might be beneficial for bowel function, but it is not specific to the bowel-training program. Increasing the intake of refined grains in the diet (Choice B) is not necessary and could potentially lead to constipation rather than improving bowel movements. Providing a cold drink prior to defecation (Choice C) may not directly contribute to the effectiveness of the bowel-training program compared to the use of a rectal suppository.

3. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has a new prescription for enoxaparin. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider take?

A. Administer the medication intramuscularly.
B. Inject the medication into the client's abdomen.
C. Massage the injection site after administration.
D. Aspirate for blood return before administering.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to inject the medication into the client's abdomen. Enoxaparin is a medication that should be administered subcutaneously into the abdomen to ensure proper absorption. Choice A is incorrect because enoxaparin should not be administered intramuscularly. Choice C is incorrect because massaging the injection site after administration is not recommended for enoxaparin injections. Choice D is incorrect because aspirating for blood return is not necessary before administering a subcutaneous injection like enoxaparin.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Redness at the insertion site.
B. Swelling of the arm above the insertion site.
C. A bruised area around the insertion site.
D. A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Swelling of the arm above the insertion site is concerning as it can indicate complications like thrombosis, which require immediate attention. Redness at the insertion site is common and expected in the initial stages. A bruised area around the insertion site may result from the insertion procedure and is usually not alarming unless it worsens or becomes larger. A temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) is within the normal range and is not directly related to PICC complications.

5. Which lab value is most critical to monitor in a patient receiving digoxin?

A. Monitor potassium levels
B. Monitor sodium levels
C. Monitor calcium levels
D. Monitor magnesium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor potassium levels in a patient receiving digoxin. Hypokalemia can potentiate the toxic effects of digoxin, leading to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels helps prevent toxicity. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice B), calcium levels (Choice C), and magnesium levels (Choice D) are also important aspects of patient care, but potassium levels are most critical in patients on digoxin therapy.