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 B
Explanation
The nurse should administer 2 tablets of lorazepam 1 mg to give a total dose of 2 mg.
This is calculated by dividing the desired dose (2 mg) by the available dose (1 mg/tablet) to get the number of tablets needed: 2 mg / (1 mg/tablet) = 2 tablets.
Choice A, 1 tablet, is not the correct answer because it would only provide a total dose of 1 mg.
Choice C, 3 tablets, is not the correct answer because it would provide a total dose of 3 mg.
Choice D, 4 tablets, is not the correct answer because it would provide a total dose of 4 mg.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should include in the teaching that the client should use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Heparin is an anticoagulant that decreases the clotting ability of the blood 1.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can help prevent bleeding of the gums while brushing teeth.
Choice B is incorrect because heparin should not be injected deep into the thigh muscle.
Instead, it should be given subcutaneously (under the skin) 2.
Choice C is incorrect because black and tarry stools are not an expected side effect of heparin.
Choice D is incorrect because easy bruising does not indicate that the medication is effective.
Instead, easy bruising may be a side effect of heparin and should be reported to the healthcare provider 1.
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