A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has hemophilia A and is scheduled for wisdom teeth extractions. Prior to the procedure, the nurse should anticipate that the client will receive which of the following products?

A. "I will be sure to take the albuterol before taking the cromolyn": Taking albuterol before cromolyn is the correct sequence because albuterol is a bronchodilator that helps open the airways quickly, while cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer that helps prevent asthma symptoms. Taking albuterol first allows for better penetration of cromolyn into the airways. Therefore, this statement indicates an understanding of the appropriate sequence for using the medications.
B. "I will use both medications immediately after exercising": While it is essential to use albuterol before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm, using cromolyn immediately after exercise is not typically indicated. Cromolyn is more effective when used prophylactically to prevent asthma attacks triggered by allergens or exercise rather than as an acute rescue medication.
C. "If my breathing begins to feel tight, I will use the cromolyn immediately": Cromolyn is not indicated for the immediate relief of acute bronchospasm. It works best when used regularly to prevent asthma symptoms rather than as a rescue medication during an asthma attack. Albuterol is the appropriate choice for immediate relief of tightness or wheezing.
D. "I will administer the medications 10 minutes apart": While it's important to space out the administration of different medications to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness, the specific timing between albuterol and cromolyn may vary based on individual instructions from the healthcare provider. Generally, it's recommended to take albuterol first, followed by cromolyn after a brief interval.

A. "The oral medication you will take after this IV will dissolve the clot": This statement is incorrect. While anticoagulants like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) may be prescribed to prevent the formation of new clots or to treat existing clots, heparin, whether administered intravenously or subcutaneously, is not typically used to dissolve existing clots.
B. "A pharmacist is the person to answer that question": This response deflects the client's question and does not provide useful information. While pharmacists are knowledgeable about medications, nurses are responsible for educating clients about their treatments and should be able to provide accurate information regarding heparin therapy.
C. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming": This is the correct response. Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the formation of new clots rather than dissolving existing ones. It does so by inhibiting the activity of clotting factors in the blood, thus preventing the clot from enlarging or new clots from forming.
D. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level": While this statement provides information about the time required for heparin to achieve a therapeutic effect, it does not address the client's specific question about clot dissolution. Heparin's anticoagulant effects occur rapidly, but its primary action is prevention rather than dissolution of existing clots.