Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A. Prothrombin time (PT)
Prothrombin time (PT) is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the primary laboratory test used to assess the effectiveness of heparin therapy, measuring the time it takes for blood to clot and ensuring therapeutic levels.
C. International normalized ratio (INR)
The International normalized ratio (INR) is also related to warfarin therapy rather than heparin.
D. Serum potassium level
Serum potassium level is not relevant for assessing heparin therapy but may be monitored for other reasons.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Med Surg Exam Antelope Valley College Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Prothrombin time (PT) is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the primary laboratory test used to assess the effectiveness of heparin therapy, measuring the time it takes for blood to clot and ensuring therapeutic levels.
C. The International normalized ratio (INR) is also related to warfarin therapy rather than heparin.
D. Serum potassium level is not relevant for assessing heparin therapy but may be monitored for other reasons.
Similar Questions
Which patient should be advised by the nurse to avoid over-the-counter cold and allergy preparations that contain phenylephrine?
A. A 47-year-old female with hypertension
Phenylephrine is a decongestant that can raise blood pressure, making it contraindicated for individuals with hypertension. Advising a patient with hypertension to avoid phenylephrine is essential to prevent potential cardiovascular complications.
B. A 52-year-old male with adult-onset diabetes
While patients with diabetes should be cautious about certain medications, phenylephrine is not specifically contraindicated in this condition.
C. A 17-year-old female with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection
A 17-year-old female with an upper respiratory infection typically does not have contraindications for phenylephrine unless there are underlying conditions not mentioned.
D. A 62-year-old male with gout
Gout does not have a direct contraindication for phenylephrine use, so the patient may not need to avoid it unless other health issues are present.
Full Explanation
A. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that can raise blood pressure, making it contraindicated for individuals with hypertension. Advising a patient with hypertension to avoid phenylephrine is essential to prevent potential cardiovascular complications.
B. While patients with diabetes should be cautious about certain medications, phenylephrine is not specifically contraindicated in this condition.
C. A 17-year-old female with an upper respiratory infection typically does not have contraindications for phenylephrine unless there are underlying conditions not mentioned.
D. Gout does not have a direct contraindication for phenylephrine use, so the patient may not need to avoid it unless other health issues are present.
What client is most likely to have impaired drug metabolism?
A. A client who has a diagnosis of hepatitis C
Clients with hepatitis C experience liver impairment, which is crucial for drug metabolism; hence, they are likely to have impaired drug metabolism.
B. A client who is being treated for basal cell skin cancer
Treatment for basal cell skin cancer typically does not affect liver function significantly, so drug metabolism is less likely to be impaired.
C. A client who requires dialysis for renal failure
Clients requiring dialysis have impaired renal function, affecting drug excretion more than metabolism, so they may not necessarily have impaired drug metabolism.
D. A client who is dehydrated following several days of diarrhea
Dehydration following diarrhea can affect the body's overall function, but it is less directly related to impaired drug metabolism compared to liver dysfunction.
Full Explanation
A. Clients with hepatitis C experience liver impairment, which is crucial for drug metabolism; hence, they are likely to have impaired drug metabolism.
B. Treatment for basal cell skin cancer typically does not affect liver function significantly, so drug metabolism is less likely to be impaired.
C. Clients requiring dialysis have impaired renal function, affecting drug excretion more than metabolism, so they may not necessarily have impaired drug metabolism.
D. Dehydration following diarrhea can affect the body's overall function, but it is less directly related to impaired drug metabolism compared to liver dysfunction.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving both short-acting and intermediate-acting insulin. The nurse should understand that:
A. The short-acting insulin covers the patient's basal needs.
Short-acting insulin does not cover basal needs; that is the role of long-acting insulin.
B. The intermediate-acting insulin covers mealtime glucose spikes.
Intermediate-acting insulin does not primarily cover mealtime glucose spikes; it provides a more prolonged effect.
C. The short-acting insulin provides coverage for meals, while intermediate-acting insulin covers glucose control between meals and overnight.
Short-acting insulin is used to manage blood glucose during meals, while intermediate-acting insulin helps maintain glucose control between meals and overnight, making this the correct choice.
D. Both types of insulin have the same onset and peak times.
Short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins have different onset and peak times; they do not share the same pharmacokinetic properties.
Full Explanation
A. Short-acting insulin does not cover basal needs; that is the role of long-acting insulin.
B. Intermediate-acting insulin does not primarily cover mealtime glucose spikes; it provides a more prolonged effect.
C. Short-acting insulin is used to manage blood glucose during meals, while intermediate-acting insulin helps maintain glucose control between meals and overnight, making this the correct choice.
D. Short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins have different onset and peak times; they do not share the same pharmacokinetic properties.