LEWIS – DVT EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
ANS: B Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis
(DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a
pulmonary embolism and requires immediate assessment and action such as O2
administration. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but
there is no indication that they may need immediate action to prevent clinical
deterioration. - Correct Answers -The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the
following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
a. A 23-yr-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled
b. A 46-yr-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of
breath
c. A 77-yr-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four medications due in 15 minutes
d. A 35-yr-old patient who was admitted with pneumonia and has a temperature of
100.2° F (37.8° C)
ANS: B All heparin is discontinued when HIT is diagnosed. The patient should be
instructed to never receive heparin or LMWH. Warfarin is usually not given until the
platelet count has returned to 150,000/µL. The platelet count does not drop low enough
in HIT for a platelet transfusion, and platelet transfusions increase the risk for
thrombosis. - Correct Answers -A patient who has been receiving IV heparin infusion
and oral warfarin (Coumadin) for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is diagnosed with
heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) when the platelet level drops to 110,000/µL.
Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care?
a. Prepare for platelet transfusion.
b. Discontinue the heparin infusion.
c. Administer prescribed warfarin (Coumadin).
d. Use low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).
ANS: B
ANSWERS
ANS: B Patients on bed rest who are immobile are at high risk for deep vein thrombosis
(DVT). Sudden onset of shortness of breath in a patient with a DVT suggests a
pulmonary embolism and requires immediate assessment and action such as O2
administration. The other patients should also be assessed as soon as possible, but
there is no indication that they may need immediate action to prevent clinical
deterioration. - Correct Answers -The nurse receives change-of-shift report on the
following four patients. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
a. A 23-yr-old patient with cystic fibrosis who has pulmonary function testing scheduled
b. A 46-yr-old patient on bed rest who is complaining of sudden onset of shortness of
breath
c. A 77-yr-old patient with tuberculosis (TB) who has four medications due in 15 minutes
d. A 35-yr-old patient who was admitted with pneumonia and has a temperature of
100.2° F (37.8° C)
ANS: B All heparin is discontinued when HIT is diagnosed. The patient should be
instructed to never receive heparin or LMWH. Warfarin is usually not given until the
platelet count has returned to 150,000/µL. The platelet count does not drop low enough
in HIT for a platelet transfusion, and platelet transfusions increase the risk for
thrombosis. - Correct Answers -A patient who has been receiving IV heparin infusion
and oral warfarin (Coumadin) for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is diagnosed with
heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) when the platelet level drops to 110,000/µL.
Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care?
a. Prepare for platelet transfusion.
b. Discontinue the heparin infusion.
c. Administer prescribed warfarin (Coumadin).
d. Use low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH).
ANS: B
