which lab value is critical for a patient on heparin therapy

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam

1. Which lab value is critical for a patient on heparin therapy?

A. Monitor aPTT
B. Monitor INR
C. Monitor platelet count
D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial for patients on heparin therapy as it helps determine the clotting ability of the blood. By monitoring aPTT, healthcare providers can adjust the dosage of heparin to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent bleeding complications. Monitoring INR is more commonly associated with warfarin therapy, not heparin. Monitoring platelet count is important for assessing the risk of bleeding or clotting disorders but is not specific to heparin therapy. Monitoring sodium levels is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness or safety of heparin therapy.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Gastric pH of 2.5.
B. Bowel sounds every 4 hours.
C. Diarrhea of 250 mL in 24 hours.
D. Gastric residual of 150 mL.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A gastric residual of 150 mL may indicate delayed gastric emptying and should be reported to the provider.

3. What is the most important intervention for a patient with suspected DVT?

A. Administer anticoagulants
B. Monitor oxygen levels
C. Apply compression stockings
D. Encourage ambulation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer anticoagulants. Administering anticoagulants is crucial in the management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as it helps prevent the clot from growing larger or dislodging, potentially causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. While monitoring oxygen levels, applying compression stockings, and encouraging ambulation are important aspects of DVT management, administering anticoagulants is the most critical intervention to prevent further complications.

4. What is the best intervention for a patient experiencing hypoxia?

A. Administer oxygen
B. Reposition the patient
C. Provide humidified air
D. Provide chest physiotherapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best intervention for a patient experiencing hypoxia is to administer oxygen. Oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation levels in the blood, addressing the underlying cause of hypoxia. Repositioning the patient, providing humidified air, and chest physiotherapy may be beneficial in certain situations but are not the primary interventions for hypoxia. Administering oxygen is crucial to quickly alleviate hypoxia and support the patient's respiratory function.

5. A client with a new prescription for furosemide should increase intake of which of the following?

A. You should take this medication on an empty stomach.
B. You should increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
C. You should take this medication at bedtime.
D. You should avoid taking this medication with food.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'You should increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.' Furosemide is a potassium-wasting diuretic, which means it can lead to low potassium levels in the body. Increasing intake of potassium-rich foods helps counteract this effect. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because furosemide should not necessarily be taken on an empty stomach, at bedtime, or specifically avoided with food.