A postoperative home care client has developed thrombophlebitis in her right leg.
What category of medications will probably be prescribed for this cardiovascular complication?
Anticoagulant medication
Antibiotic medication
Antigen medication
Antihistamine medication
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Anticoagulant medications are the mainstay of treatment for thrombophlebitis. They work by preventing the formation of new blood clots and allowing the body's natural clot-dissolving mechanisms to break down existing clots. This helps to reduce the risk of the clot growing larger, breaking off, and traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which is a potentially life threatening complication.
Here is a detailed explanation of how anticoagulants work:
Blood clotting process: Blood clotting, also known as coagulation, is a complex process that involves multiple steps and factors. When a blood vessel is injured, a series of reactions occur to form a blood clot, which helps to stop bleeding.
Role of thrombin: Thrombin is a crucial enzyme in the clotting process. It converts fibrinogen, a soluble protein in the blood, into fibrin, which forms the mesh-like structure of blood clots.
Anticoagulants target thrombin: Anticoagulant medications work by inhibiting thrombin activity, thereby preventing the formation of fibrin and subsequent clot formation.
Different types of anticoagulants: There are several types of anticoagulant medications, each with different mechanisms of action. Some common types include:
Heparin: Heparin binds to antithrombin III, a natural anticoagulant in the body, and enhances its ability to inactivate thrombin and other clotting factors.
Warfarin: Warfarin blocks the production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver.
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs): DOACs directly inhibit specific clotting factors, such as factor Xa or thrombin.
Choice B rationale:
Antibiotic medications are used to treat bacterial infections. Thrombophlebitis is not a bacterial infection, so antibiotics would not be effective in treating it.
Choice C rationale:
Antigen medications are not a category of medications. Antigens are substances that trigger an immune response in the body.
Choice D rationale:
Antihistamine medications are used to treat allergic reactions. They block the effects of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines would not be effective in treating thrombophlebitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While it's true that gastrointestinal peristalsis may be slowed after surgery, this is not the primary reason for administering a cleansing enema before colon surgery.
The main goal of the enema is to evacuate stool from the colon, ensuring a clear and unobstructed surgical field. This helps to:
Reduce the risk of infection
Facilitate better visualization of the colon during surgery
Minimize the potential for complications
Choice B rationale:
Cleansing enemas are not administered solely based on patient request.
They are prescribed for specific medical reasons, such as preparing for colon surgery or certain diagnostic procedures. Patient preference may be considered, but it's not the determining factor.
Choice C rationale:
While decreased gas and discomfort post-operatively can be a potential benefit of a cleansing enema, it's not the primary reason for its use before colon surgery.
The primary goal, as mentioned earlier, is to clear the colon for a safe and effective surgical procedure. However, reduced gas and discomfort can contribute to a smoother post-operative recovery.
Choice D rationale:
Multiple cleansing enemas are not routinely given to all surgical patients.
The decision to administer an enema is based on the specific type of surgery, the patient's condition, and other factors. In some cases, a single enema may be sufficient, while others may require more than one.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale for Choice A:
Sims' position is a side-lying position with the lower arm and leg flexed and the upper arm and leg extended. It is not ideal for bladder scanning because it can displace the bladder and potentially lead to inaccurate readings. While it can be used for other purposes, such as inserting rectal suppositories or performing vaginal exams, it's not the optimal choice for bladder scanning.
Rationale for Choice B:
Dorsal recumbent position is a supine position with the knees bent and feet flat on the bed. While it provides some exposure of the bladder, it may not fully visualize the entire bladder due to potential compression from the abdominal contents. This can also result in inaccurate readings.
Rationale for Choice D:
High Fowler's position is a semi-sitting position with the head of the bed elevated at a 45- to 60-degree angle. This position is not suitable for bladder scanning because it can cause the bladder to shift upward and out of the optimal scanning range. It's typically used for respiratory comfort and procedures involving the head and upper body.
Rationale for Choice C:
Supine position is the best position for bladder scanning because it allows for the most accurate visualization of the bladder. In this position, the patient lies flat on their back with their legs extended. This position allows the bladder to rest naturally in the pelvic cavity, ensuring optimal positioning for the bladder scanner to capture a clear image and provide an accurate measurement of bladder volume. It also promotes patient comfort and relaxation during the procedure.
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