L.J. is placed on 72-hour bed rest with bathroom privileges and given acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain. The physician writes orders for enoxaparin (Lovenox) injections
L.J. asks, "Why do I have to get these shots? Why can't I just get a Coumadin pill to thin my
blood?" What would be your response?"
a. "Good idea! I will call to ask the physician to switch medications."
b. "It would take the Coumadin pills several days to be effective."
c. "Your physician prefers the injections over the pills."
d. "The enoxaparin will work to dissolve the blood clot in your leg."
Answer: b
Enoxaparin takes 3 to 5 hours to reach maximum antithrombotic activity; warfarin (Coumadin)
takes 12 to 24 hours for onset and peaks in 11?2 to 4 days. It takes several days for warfarin to reach
effective anticoagulation level.
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A pregnant woman who is close to term is admitted to the emergency room after being involved in a motor vehicle crash. Within moments, she experiences a cardiopulmonary arrest. What is a nursing priority in the care of this woman?
A) Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation as for any patient. B) Monitor fetal heart tones continuously. C) During care, place a 2-inch wedge under the patient's right hip. D) Administer oxygen by nasal cannula at 2 L/min.
The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for colon surgery. Appropriate information to provide the client regarding general anesthesia includes:
1. It is administered directly to the skin, or injected into a specific area 2. It produces minimal depression of the level of consciousness 3. It allows the client to retain the ability to consciously maintain a patent airway 4. It blocks awareness centers in the brain
A patient in the initial phase of TB is prescribed ethambutol. The nurse monitors the client for which of the following suggesting an adverse reaction?
A) Hypersensitivity B) Skin eruptions C) Joint pain D) Myalgia
Psychotic behavior resulting from a known ________ cause is called an organic disorder.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).