A patient who takes warfarin for atrial fibrillation undergoes hip replacement surgery
On the second postoperative day, the nurse assesses the patient and notes an oxygen saturation of 83%, pleuritic chest pain, shortness of breath, and hemoptysis. The nurse will contact the provider to report possible _____ and request an order for _____.
a. congestive heart failure; furosemide (Lasix)
b. hemorrhage; vitamin K (phytonadione)
c. myocardial infarction: tissue plasminogen activator (tPA)
d. pulmonary embolism; heparin
ANS: D
This patient is exhibiting signs of pulmonary embolism. Heparin is used when rapid onset of anticoagulants is needed, as with pulmonary embolism. The patient would have respiratory cracks and a cough with congestive heart failure. Hemorrhage involves a decrease in blood pressure, bruising, and lumbar pain. The patient has pleuritic pain, which is not consistent with the chest pain of an MI.
You might also like to view...
Which of the following is the primary source of income for elderly Americans?
a. Employment income b. Pensions c. Savings d. Social Security
Relative to risk for AIDS among the elderly, nurses should consider providing health teaching aimed
at a. supporting unprotected sex. b. encouraging condom use. c. explaining AIDS dementia. d. avoiding blood transfusions.
The maximum volume of an IM injection for small children is the same as for an adult, 3 mL
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Which of the following nursing interventions would the nurse perform first after a patient sustained a chemical splash injury to the eye?
a. Assess visual acuity. b. Flush the eye with large amounts of irrigation fluid. c. Assess level of pain. d. Determine whether the pupils are PERRLA.