Question

The patient has a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and is admitted for initial heparin therapy. Which order(s) would the nurse want to validate with the physician? Select all that apply.

1. Heparin 1,000 units intravenous (IV) every 6 hours
2. Tylenol as needed (PRN) for headaches
3. Obtaining a daily weight on the patient
4. Advil as needed (PRN) for headaches
5. Low vitamin K diet

Answer 1

A nurse would need to validate orders for dosing and frequency of heparin, the use of NSAIDs for headache relief due to the increased risk of bleeding, and a low vitamin K diet which could affect anticoagulation therapy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The orders that a nurse would want to validate with the physician when a patient has a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and is admitted for initial heparin therapy are:

1. Heparin
`1,000 units` intravenous (IV) every
`6` hours - The dosage and frequency of heparin should be verified to ensure it is appropriate for the patient's condition and weight.

2. Advil as needed (PRN) for headaches - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil (ibuprofen) can increase the risk of bleeding and should be used with caution in patients on anticoagulant therapy.

3. Low vitamin K diet - Vitamin K can interfere with anticoagulant medications like warfarin, although not typically with heparin. However, any dietary restrictions should be confirmed, especially if the patient will transition to warfarin therapy in the future. Orders
`2` (Tylenol as needed for headaches) and
`3` (Obtaining a daily weight on the patient) generally do not require validation with the physician, as they are standard supportive care measures and monitoring practices in a DVT patient.