A 55-year-old male was admitted 1 week ago for a left lower leg venous thromboembolism, confirmed by ultrasound. He started to work from home 4 months ago and reports that his activity level has significantly decreased. When admitted, his left lower leg had 3+ edema and was warm and reddened over the calf area. He was immediately started on intravenous heparin therapy, with warfarin (Coumadin) on the same day. The patient asks the nurse why two medications are necessary. Which response by the nurse is accurate?

Taking two medications dissolves the blood clot much faster.

Because of the risk for a blood clot in the lungs, it is important for you to take more than one blood thinner.

Heparin will start to dissolve the clot, and warfarin will prevent any more clots from forming.

Heparin works right away, but warfarin takes several days to prevent clots.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This statement is incorrect because the combination of heparin and warfarin does not dissolve the blood clot faster. Instead, these medications have different mechanisms of action. Heparin works quickly to prevent further clot formation, while warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels and maintain anticoagulation over the long term.
Choice B reason: While the risk of a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) is a concern, the necessity of using both heparin and warfarin is not because of the need for multiple blood thinners but rather due to their complementary pharmacokinetics. Heparin provides immediate anticoagulation, whereas warfarin requires time to become effective.
Choice C reason: This statement is also incorrect. Heparin does not dissolve clots but works to prevent the extension of existing clots and the formation of new ones. Warfarin, likewise, does not dissolve clots but prevents further clot formation by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
Choice D reason: This is the accurate response. Heparin works immediately, providing rapid anticoagulation, which is essential for acute management of venous thromboembolism. On the other hand, warfarin takes several days to achieve its anticoagulant effect because it works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Therefore, the patient is initially placed on heparin to provide immediate protection against clotting while warfarin is started simultaneously. Once warfarin reaches a therapeutic level, heparin can be discontinued, and warfarin can maintain long-term anticoagulation.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: "I need to shop for foods low in sodium and avoid adding salt to food." This statement is correct and indicates appropriate understanding. Patients with SIADH need to manage their sodium intake carefully to avoid exacerbating hyponatremia.
Choice B reason: "I need to limit my fluid intake." This statement indicates a misunderstanding. Patients with SIADH should actually increase their fluid intake to help dilute the excess antidiuretic hormone and reduce hyponatremia. Limiting fluid intake can worsen the condition.
Choice C reason: "I should eat foods high in potassium because diuretics cause potassium loss." This statement is incorrect in the context of SIADH. While potassium intake is important for patients on diuretics, it is not directly related to SIADH management. The focus should be on managing fluid and sodium levels.
Choice D reason: "I should weigh myself daily and report sudden weight loss or gain." This statement is correct and indicates appropriate understanding. Regular weight monitoring is important for patients with SIADH to detect fluid imbalances early.

A. Jaundice B. Spider angiomas C. Lethargic D. Apical pulse regular with S1, S2 E. Abdomen moderately distended F. Dark amber urine G. Peripheral pulses are palpable H. 3+ pitting edema

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","F","H"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Jaundice is a common finding in cirrhosis due to impaired liver function, which leads to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. This causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow.
Choice B reason: Spider angiomas are dilated blood vessels that appear on the skin and are often seen in patients with cirrhosis. They are caused by increased estrogen levels due to impaired liver function.
Choice C reason: Lethargy is a symptom of cirrhosis as the liver's ability to detoxify the blood is compromised, leading to fatigue and weakness.
Choice D reason: An apical pulse regular with S1, S2 is not specifically associated with cirrhosis. While it may be a normal finding, it does not indicate the presence of cirrhosis.
Choice E reason: Abdomen moderately distended is consistent with cirrhosis due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites), which is a common complication of advanced liver disease.
Choice F reason: Dark amber urine is a sign of cirrhosis as the liver's ability to process bilirubin is impaired, leading to the excretion of conjugated bilirubin in the urine, which gives it a dark color.
Choice G reason: Peripheral pulses are palpable is not specifically associated with cirrhosis. While it may be a normal finding, it does not indicate the presence of cirrhosis.
Choice H reason: 3+ pitting edema is consistent with cirrhosis due to the retention of sodium and water, leading to swelling in the lower extremities.

View Question and Answer

Test	Result	Normal Range
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)	1.200 U/L	7-56 U/L
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)	1.000 U/L	10-40 U/L
Total Bilirubin	5.5 mg/dL	0.1-1.2 mg/dL
Hepatitis A IgM	Positive	Negative

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which patient statement indicates to the nurse that further instruction is needed about chronic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?

Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

Which assessment findings are consistent with cirrhosis? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","F","H"]

Explanation

The clinical diagnosis of dementia is based on

Which group of drugs will the nurse plan to include when teaching a patient who has a new diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (PAD)? Select all that apply:

Marvin is transferred from the ICU to the Tele/Neuro unit 24 hours after receiving tPA. He has left sided hemiplegia with some dysphagia. What nursing interventions should be part of his plan of care? Select all that apply.

Which action should the nurse plan to take for a patient with multiple sclerosis who has urinary retention caused by a flaccid bladder?

Which information obtained by the nurse in the clinic about a patient who has been taking prednisone 40 mg daily for 3 weeks is most important to report to the health care provider?

A patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who is being admitted to a hospital rehab facility has had several episodes of wandering away from home. Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care?