A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis and has been on heparin continuous infusion for 5 days. The provider prescribes warfarin PO without discontinuing the heparin. The client asks the nurse why both anticoagulants are necessary. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today."
"Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots."
"The IV heparin increases the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital stay."
"Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level."
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Discontinuing heparin abruptly without achieving therapeutic levels of warfarin increases the risk of thrombus formation.
B. Heparin and warfarin have different mechanisms of action, but they both serve to prevent clot formation.
C. Heparin and warfarin do not directly affect each other's therapeutic effects.
D. Warfarin takes time to reach therapeutic levels and become effective, so heparin is continued until warfarin is fully active.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Alteplase (fibrinolytics) is used to dissolve clots in coronary arteries during an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
B. IV Nitroglycerine is a vasodilator that dilates coronary blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the myocardium.
C. Metoprolol (beta blockers) are used to decrease heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand.
D. IV Heparin is used to prevent further clot formation in coronary arteries during an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Looking for P waves is important for assessing atrial activity, but it does not directly calculate heart rate.
B. Counting how many QRS complexes occur in a 6-second strip and multiplying by 10 is a quick and accurate way to calculate heart rate.
C. Reading the monitor or ECG interpretation provides information about the rhythm and morphology of the heart, but it does not directly calculate heart rate.
D. Measuring T waves is important for assessing cardiac repolarization, but it does not directly calculate heart rate.
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