Pharm: A Patient-Centered Nursing Process Approach CH: 40 questions and answers 100%verified

The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. The nurse will anticipate administering which medication to this patient to help prevent thrombus formation caused by slow venous blood flow? a. Alteplase (Activase) b. Aspirin c. Clopidogrel (Plavix) d. Low-molecular-weight heparin - ANSWER-ANS: D Low-molecular-weight heparin is an anticoagulant, which is used to inhibit clot formation and is used prophylactically to prevent postoperative deep vein thrombosis. Alteplase is a thrombolytic, which is used to break down clots after they form; alteplase is contraindicated in any patient with recent surgery. Aspirin and clopidogrel are antiplatelet drugs and are used to prevent arterial thrombosis. A nursing student asks why the anticoagulant heparin is given to patients who have disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and are at risk for excessive bleeding. The nurse will explain that heparin is used in this case for which reason? a. To decrease the risk of venous thrombosis b. To dissolve blood clots as they form c. To enhance the formation of fibrous clots d. To preserve platelet function - ANSWER-ANS: A The primary use of heparin for patients with DIC is to prevent venous thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism or stroke. Heparin does not break down blood clots, enhance the formation of fibrous clots, or preserve platelet function. A patient has been receiving intravenous heparin. When laboratory tests are drawn, the nurse has difficulty stopping bleeding at the puncture site. The patient has bloody stools and is reporting abdominal pain. The nurse notes elevated partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and activated PPT (aPTT). Which action will the nurse perform? a. Ask for an order for oral warfarin (Coumadin). b. Obtain an order for protamine sulfate. c. Request an order for vitamin K. d. Suggest that the patient receive subcutaneous heparin. - ANSWER-ANS: B