the nurse is caring for a client on warfarin with an inr of 52 what is the most appropriate action

ATI RN

Physical Exam Cardiovascular System

1. The nurse is caring for a client on warfarin with an INR of 5.2. What is the most appropriate action?

A. Administer vitamin K as an antidote.
B. Hold the next dose of warfarin.
C. Increase the dose of warfarin.
D. Monitor the client’s INR closely.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An INR of 5.2 is elevated, indicating an increased risk of bleeding. Administering vitamin K can help reverse the effects of warfarin, which is the most appropriate action in this situation. Holding the next dose of warfarin is not enough to address the high INR, and increasing the dose would further elevate the INR level. Monitoring the INR closely is important, but in this case, immediate action is needed to counteract the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

2. What is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve?

A. Valve replacement
B. Angioplasty
C. Stent placement
D. Bypass surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Valve replacement is the correct answer because it involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a prosthetic valve. This procedure is essential for improving blood flow and heart function. Angioplasty (choice B) is a procedure to widen narrowed or obstructed arteries. Stent placement (choice C) involves inserting a mesh tube to help support weak arteries. Bypass surgery (choice D) is a procedure to create new routes for blood flow when arteries are blocked.

3. Which type of lung cancer is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos?

A. Mesothelioma
B. Adenocarcinoma
C. Squamous cell carcinoma
D. Small cell lung cancer

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Mesothelioma. This type of lung cancer is indeed strongly associated with exposure to asbestos, affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen. Adenocarcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Small cell lung cancer are not primarily linked to asbestos exposure, making them incorrect choices for this question.

4. The nurse is giving digoxin to a client. What is the most important parameter to check before administration?

A. Heart rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Respiratory rate
D. Oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to check the client's heart rate because digoxin can cause bradycardia, an abnormally slow heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate is essential to prevent potential complications associated with digoxin therapy. Choices B, C, and D are less critical parameters to assess before administering digoxin. While blood pressure is also important to monitor during digoxin therapy, the most crucial parameter to check due to the medication's potential effect on heart rate is the heart rate itself.

5. The client on furosemide (Lasix) is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?

A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. This electrolyte imbalance is a significant risk associated with diuretic use. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is not typically associated with furosemide use. Hyponatremia (choice C) and hypernatremia (choice D) are related to sodium levels, not potassium levels affected by furosemide.