A patient is receiving heparin postoperatively to prevent deep vein thrombosis. The nurse notes that the patient has a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg and a heart rate of 98 beats per minute. The patient's most recent aPTT is greater than 90 seconds

The patient reports lumbar pain. The nurse will request an order for: a. a repeat aPTT to be drawn immediately.
b. analgesic medication.
c. changing heparin to aspirin.
d. protamine sulfate.


D
Heparin overdose may cause hemorrhage, which can be characterized by low blood pressure, tachycardia, and lumbar pain. Protamine sulfate should be given, and the heparin should be dis-continued. An aPTT may be drawn later to monitor the effectiveness of protamine sulfate. Anal-gesics are not indicated because the lumbar pain is likely caused by adrenal hemorrhage. Aspirin will only increase the risk of hemorrhage.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A nurse cares for a client with arthritis who reports frequent asthma attacks. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Review the client's pulmonary function test results. b. Ask about medications the client is currently taking. c. Assess how frequently the client uses a bronchodilator. d. Consult the provider and request arterial blood gases.

Nursing

What services are birthing centers able to provide? (Select all that apply.)

a. Prenatal care b. Labor and delivery services c. Classes for new mothers d. Adoption referrals e. Family planning

Nursing

A 35-year-old patient in the women's health clinic has just told the nurse about being abused by her husband for the past 10 years. The nurse's most appropriate intervention, initially, is to:

1. Offer to call the police and help her to file charges. 2. Ask her to tell you the details surrounding the abuse. 3. Reassure her that many women experience the same problem. 4. Listen to her account of the situation and offer support.

Nursing

You assess a client in the local neighborhood clinic. He exhibits signs and symptoms of TB, yet has a negative tuberculin skin test result. You suspect that the physician may further test the client because he

A) visited Central America recently. B) is recovering from jet lag. C) is HIV positive. D) works in a factory setting.

Nursing