A nurse is caring for a client who has a thrombus and is receiving a continuous infusion of heparin. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"The time it takes for heparin to dissolve a clot depends on the size of the clot.".
"The time it takes for heparin to dissolve a clot varies between clients.".
"Usually, it takes at least 2 to 3 days for heparin to dissolve a clot.".
"Heparin prevents new clots from forming rather than dissolving existing ones.".
The Correct Answer is D
Heparin is an anticoagulant that is used to decrease the clotting ability of the blood and help prevent harmful clots from forming in blood vessels 1.
However, heparin will not dissolve blood clots that have already formed, but it may prevent the clots from becoming larger and causing more serious problems 12.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because heparin does not dissolve existing clots. Instead, it works to prevent new clots from forming 12.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A nurse should never share her password for access to the facility’s computer system with anyone.
Sharing passwords can compromise the security and confidentiality of patient information.
For the second question you asked, the correct answer is choice A.
“I’ll use my electric razor for shaving.” This statement indicates that the client understands that warfarin (coumadin) can increase the risk of bleeding and that using an electric razor can help reduce the risk of cuts and bleeding while shaving.
Choice B is not the best answer because taking aspirin while on warfarin (coumadin) can increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice C is not the best answer because eating foods high in vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin (Coumadin).
Choice D is not the best answer because drinking alcohol while on warfarin (coumadin) can increase the risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Protamine is a medication that can be used to reverse the effects of heparin in the event of an overdose.
It binds to heparin and neutralizes its anticoagulant effects.
Choice B is not correct because glucagon is used to treat low blood sugar, not heparin overdose.
Choice C is not correct because oxygen is not a medication and is not used to treat heparin overdose.
Choice D is not correct because insulin is used to lower high blood sugar levels, not to treat heparin overdose.
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