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A nurse is caring for a client who is one day postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty and is receiving Heparin subcutaneously. Which of the following adverse effects of the medication should the nurse report to the provider? Option 1: Bradycardia Option 2: Hypertension Option 3: Hematuria Option 4: Petechiae

User Xinchao
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2 Answers

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Final answer:

The nurse should report the adverse effect of Petechiae to the provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should report the adverse effect of Petechiae to the provider.

Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that is commonly given to patients after surgery to prevent blood clots. One of the side effects of Heparin is bleeding, which can present as petechiae, or small, pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin. Petechiae can be a sign of a potential bleeding problem and should be reported to the provider.

User Padmarag
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6 votes

Final answer:

Hematuria is the adverse effect of Heparin that should be reported to the provider in a patient postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty, as it could indicate excessive bleeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student asked which adverse effect of Heparin medication a nurse should report to the provider if a patient is one day postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty. Out of the provided options, the correct answer is Option 3: Hematuria, which refers to the presence of blood in the urine. Hematuria can be an indication of excessive bleeding, which is a serious complication. Heparin is an anticoagulant, meaning it prevents blood clots, but can also lead to excessive bleeding if not monitored carefully. Therefore, this is an adverse effect that would require immediate attention from the healthcare provider. On the other hand, bradycardia (Option 1) refers to a slower-than-normal heart rate and is not commonly associated with heparin. Hypertension (Option 2) is high blood pressure and, while important, is not a common direct adverse effect of heparin. Lastly, petechiae (Option 4) are small red or purple spots on the body, indicating minor hemorrhages; while they can be an indicator of a bleeding problem, in the context of heparin therapy, the presence of blood in the urine is more concerning and should be reported immediately.

User Nathan W
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