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A client is receiving heparin sodium 1000 units per hour via an infusion and warfarin sodium 2.5 mg PO for thrombophlebitis in the left leg.
The nurse educates the client that heparin and warfarin are prescribed together because:

A.

Smaller doses of both drugs can be used with this method.

B.

This combination facilitates the thrombolysis more quickly.

C.

The heparin provides anticoagulation until the warfarin becomes effective.

D.

This combination provides immediate anticoagulation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

While it might seem that smaller doses of both drugs could be used when they are prescribed together, this is not the primary reason for using heparin and warfarin together. Both drugs have different mechanisms of action and are used for their unique therapeutic effects.

Choice B rationale

The combination of heparin and warfarin does not facilitate thrombolysis more quickly. Thrombolysis is the process of breaking down clots, and while these medications can prevent the formation of new clots, they do not actively break down existing ones.

Choice C rationale

Heparin and warfarin are often used together in the treatment of thrombophlebitis because they provide different benefits. Heparin acts quickly to prevent further clotting and allows the body to naturally break down existing clots. Warfarin, on the other hand, takes several days to become effective. Therefore, heparin is used to provide immediate anticoagulation until the warfarin becomes effective.

Choice D rationale

While it’s true that the combination of heparin and warfarin provides immediate anticoagulation, this is primarily due to the action of heparin. Warfarin takes several days to become effective, so it does not contribute to the immediate anticoagulant effect.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition characterized by the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. One of the most common symptoms of DVT is swelling of the affected extremity. This occurs because the blood clot obstructs the flow of blood, causing fluid to build up in the tissues.

Choice B rationale

While redness can be a symptom of DVT, it is not typically confined to a small area. Instead, redness associated with DVT is usually more widespread and is often accompanied by other symptoms such as swelling and pain.

Choice C rationale

A cool, mottled extremity is not a typical symptom of DVT34. DVT usually causes the affected area to feel warmer than the surrounding areas due to inflammation caused by the blood clot.

Choice D rationale

The presence of bilateral peripheral pulses is not a specific finding for DVT34. In fact, the presence of strong peripheral pulses may suggest that blood flow is not significantly obstructed.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

A decrease in inflammation at the site of infection is a key indicator that antibiotic therapy is effective. Inflammation is a response to infection, so if the inflammation is reducing, it suggests that the infection is being successfully treated.

Choice B rationale

An increase in circulating neutrophils could indicate an ongoing response to infection, rather than resolution. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that the body produces more of when there’s an infection. Therefore, an increase in neutrophils does not necessarily indicate that the antibiotic therapy has been effective.

Choice C rationale

A positive culture and sensitivity report indicates the presence of bacteria and identifies which antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive to. While this information is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic, it does not indicate whether the chosen antibiotic therapy has been effective.

Choice D rationale

A symptomatic fever could indicate an ongoing infection, rather than resolution. While fever can decrease as an infection is brought under control, the presence of a symptomatic fever does not necessarily indicate that the antibiotic therapy has been effective.

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