A nurse is caring for a client who has developed a thrombus and is receiving heparin by continuous N infusion. The client asks the nurse how long will it take for the heparin to dissolve the clot. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
"Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming"
"Heparin will begin dissolving clots over the next 24 hours
"A pharmacist would be a better fit to answer that question.
"It usually takes heparin at least 3 to 4 days to reach a therapeutic blood level."
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale: Heparin is an anticoagulant that prevents new clots from forming but does not dissolve existing clots23.
Choice B rationale: Heparin does not directly dissolve clots23.
Choice C rationale: While a pharmacist can provide medication information, it is incorrect to say they would be a better fit to answer this question as nurses are trained in medication education23.
Choice D rationale: While it’s true that it takes time for heparin to reach a therapeutic blood level, this statement could be misleading because heparin does not dissolve clots23.
So, the correct answer is Choice A, after analysing all choices.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: While a chest x-ray can provide useful information about the heart and lungs, it is not typically required before an elective cardioversion89.
Choice B rationale: A transesophageal echocardiogram is often performed before cardioversion to check for the presence of any clots in the heart891011.
Choice C rationale: An exercise stress test is not typically required before an elective cardioversion89.
Choice D rationale: A central line placement for thrombolytic medication administration is not typically required before an elective cardioversion89.
So, the correct answer is Choice B, after analyzing all choices.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D: Prepare to administer supplemental O2 via nasal cannula.
Choice A rationale:
Atropine is used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate), not atrial flutter with a rapid heart rate. Administering Atropine in this scenario could potentially worsen the patient’s condition by increasing the heart rate further.
Choice B rationale:
While reassessing the patient’s blood pressure is important, it is not the most immediate action. The patient’s current blood pressure is stable (118/64), and the priority is addressing the low oxygen saturation and high respiratory rate, which indicates respiratory distress.
Choice C rationale:
Adenosine is used to treat certain types of supraventricular tachycardia by temporarily slowing the heart rate, but it is not the first-line treatment for atrial flutter. Additionally, the patient’s blood pressure is stable, and there is no indication of hemodynamic instability that would necessitate immediate rate control.
Choice D rationale:
The patient’s oxygen saturation is 90%, which is below the normal range, and they are tachypneic with a respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute. The first action should be to administer supplemental oxygen to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxemia-related complications. Oxygen therapy can help stabilize the patient’s condition and improve oxygen saturation levels.
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