the client is on enoxaparin lovenox for dvt prophylaxis what is the most important lab value to monitor
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

1. The client is on enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis. What is the most important lab value to monitor?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When a client is on enoxaparin (Lovenox), monitoring the platelet count is crucial as enoxaparin can lead to a rare but serious side effect known as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), causing a decrease in platelet count. Monitoring the platelet count helps detect this adverse reaction early. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because enoxaparin therapy does not directly affect PT/INR, aPTT, or hemoglobin levels.

2. What is the average cardiac output?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Approximately 4 to 8 L per minute. Cardiac output is defined as the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute, typically ranging between 4 to 8 liters. Choices A, C, and D provide ranges that are either too narrow or outside the standard average values for cardiac output, making them incorrect.

3. Which artery supplies the right atrium, right ventricle, a portion of the septum, SA node, AV node, and inferior portion of the left ventricle?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the right coronary artery. It supplies essential areas of the heart, including the right atrium, right ventricle, a portion of the septum, SA node, AV node, and the inferior portion of the left ventricle. The left circumflex artery primarily supplies the left atrium and lateral wall of the left ventricle, not the mentioned areas. The posterior descending artery supplies the inferior wall of the left ventricle, not the right side. The aortic artery is a general term and does not specifically refer to an artery that supplies the mentioned areas.

4. The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L is considered low and can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent adverse effects. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would put the client at a higher risk for toxicity. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice C) is not appropriate when the client's potassium level is low. Administering potassium supplements (Choice D) may be necessary but is not the priority action in this situation.

5. What test measures the oxygen level in the blood, often used to monitor patients with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, commonly used to monitor respiratory and cardiovascular health. Arterial blood gas (ABG) measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing more detailed information than pulse oximetry. Echocardiogram is an ultrasound test used to visualize the heart's structure and function, while a chest X-ray is used to visualize the structures in the chest, such as the heart, lungs, and bones.

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