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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A decrease in inflammation at the site of infection is a key indicator that antibiotic therapy is effective. Inflammation is a response to infection, so if the inflammation is reducing, it suggests that the infection is being successfully treated.
Choice B rationale
An increase in circulating neutrophils could indicate an ongoing response to infection, rather than resolution. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that the body produces more of when there’s an infection. Therefore, an increase in neutrophils does not necessarily indicate that the antibiotic therapy has been effective.
Choice C rationale
A positive culture and sensitivity report indicates the presence of bacteria and identifies which antibiotics the bacteria are sensitive to. While this information is crucial for selecting the most effective antibiotic, it does not indicate whether the chosen antibiotic therapy has been effective.
Choice D rationale
A symptomatic fever could indicate an ongoing infection, rather than resolution. While fever can decrease as an infection is brought under control, the presence of a symptomatic fever does not necessarily indicate that the antibiotic therapy has been effective.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS) is a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when blood sugar levels are extremely high. The primary treatment for HHS is intravenous fluids and insulin. Specifically, 0.9% saline solution IV is often used initially to restore volume and correct severe dehydration.
Choice A rationale
Administration of Glucagon is not the primary treatment for HHS. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels and would not be beneficial in a situation where blood glucose is already extremely high.
Choice B rationale
Dextrose 50% is a concentrated glucose solution and would not be appropriate in the treatment of HHS, where blood glucose levels are already dangerously high.
Choice C rationale
While IV fluids are a crucial part of the treatment for HHS, 0.45% Normal Saline (also known as half-normal saline) is a hypotonic solution and is not typically the first choice for fluid resuscitation in HHS. The preferred initial fluid is often 0.9% saline (normal saline), which is isotonic.
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