A patient diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis asks the nurse, “How does this blood thinner heparin work?” Which response is most accurate?
Heparin makes the blood less thick and easier to flow.
Heparin dissolves the clot and decreases the formation of platelets.
Heparin does not thin the blood; it prevents new clots from forming.
Heparin decreases the number of platelets so the blood flows more easily.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Heparin does not actually thin the blood or make it less thick. Instead, it works by increasing the activity of antithrombin, a protein that inhibits blood clotting. This prevents new clots from forming and existing clots from growing larger.
Choice B rationale
Heparin does not dissolve clots or decrease the formation of platelets. Its primary action is to increase the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa, two key players in the blood clotting process.
Choice C rationale
This statement is accurate. Heparin does not thin the blood; instead, it prevents new clots from forming and existing clots from growing larger. It does this by increasing the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa.
Choice D rationale
Heparin does not decrease the number of platelets or make the blood flow more easily. Its primary action is to increase the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) of 25 is within the normal range (25-35 seconds) and is not directly related to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)89.
Choice B rationale
A D-dimer level of 500 ng/mL is elevated (normal range is typically less than 250 ng/mL), which can indicate the presence of a clot, such as in DVT8910.
Choice C rationale
Prothrombin Time (PT) of 14 seconds is within the normal range (11-13.5 seconds) and is not directly related to DVT89.
Choice D rationale
A platelet count of 148,000 uL is within the normal range (150,000-450,000 uL) and is not directly related to DVT89.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Acarbose and repaglinide are medications used to manage blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Acarbose slows the digestion of carbohydrates in the gut, which helps to prevent spikes in blood glucose after meals. Repaglinide stimulates the pancreas to release more insulin. Both of these medications can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.
Therefore, carrying glucose tablets or gels is a good practice because they can quickly raise blood sugar levels during an episode of hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Taking these medications on an empty stomach is not recommended. Acarbose should be taken with the first bite of each main meal. Repaglinide should be taken within 30 minutes before meals. Therefore, this statement does not indicate effective teaching.
Choice C rationale
Drinking orange soda to treat symptoms of hypoglycemia is not the best choice. While orange soda can increase blood sugar levels, it also contains other ingredients, like caffeine, that are not beneficial for people with diabetes. Glucose tablets or gels are a better option because they provide a fast-acting source of glucose and are easy to dose.
Choice D rationale
This statement is incorrect. While repaglinide does stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin, it does not mean that the person has to start taking insulin shots. Acarbose works by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates in the gut, not by affecting insulin release. Therefore, this statement does not indicate effective teaching.
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