The patient has been started on warfarin (Coumadin) for deep vein thrombosis. The patient asks when the medication will break up the clots. The nurse's best response would be:

"This medication will not break down clots but will make it less likely that the clot will get larger."

"It will break down the clot within 8 to 12 hours of administration."

"It will take 7 to 10 days for the clot to break down."

"You will need to be on this medication for a long time before it will break down the clot."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "This medication will not break down clots but will make it less likely that the clot will get larger." Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of certain clotting factors in the liver. It does not directly break down existing clots but prevents the formation of new clots and the extension of existing ones. This response provides accurate information about the mechanism of action of warfarin.

B. "It will break down the clot within 8 to 12 hours of administration." This statement is incorrect. Warfarin does not have an immediate effect on existing clots. Its action is primarily preventive, reducing the risk of further clot formation and allowing the body's natural processes to gradually break down existing clots over time.

C. "It will take 7 to 10 days for the clot to break down." While the body's natural processes may start breaking down the clot within this timeframe, warfarin itself does not directly cause the dissolution of clots. This response is partially accurate in terms of the timeline for the body's natural clot resolution but does not specify that warfarin itself is not responsible for clot breakdown.

D. "You will need to be on this medication for a long time before it will break down the clot." This statement is misleading. Warfarin's role is to prevent the formation of new clots and further extension of existing ones rather than directly breaking down clots. Additionally, the duration of warfarin therapy is typically determined based on the individual's risk factors for clot formation, and it may not necessarily correlate with the time it takes for existing clots to resolve.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can occur with epoetin alfa, but it's not the most common side effect.

B. Orthostatic hypotension: This is not a common side effect of epoetin alfa. Orthostatic hypotension is a decrease in blood pressure upon standing.

C. Hypertension: Epoetin alfa stimulates the production of red blood cells. When the red blood cell count increases too quickly, it can lead to increased blood pressure, which is the most common adverse effect.

D. Dizziness: Dizziness can occur with epoetin alfa, but it's less common than hypertension.

A. Temperature of 100.8 Degrees Fahrenheit (38.2 Degrees Celsius) B. Skin rash with urticaria C. Wheezing with labored breathing D. Bruising and epistaxis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Temperature of 100.8 Degrees Fahrenheit (38.2 Degrees Celsius): Fever can indicate a potential adverse reaction to the medication or may be a sign of infection, which could complicate the patient's condition. While a fever can be a sign of an infection, it's not a typical adverse effect for alteplase

B. Skin rash with urticaria: Skin rash and urticaria (hives) can indicate an allergic reaction to alteplase. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and may necessitate discontinuation of the medication and administration of appropriate treatment, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, depending on the severity of the reaction but it's less common than bleeding.

C. Wheezing with labored breathing: Wheezing and labored breathing can indicate a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to alteplase but again, bleeding is a more prominent concern.

D. Bruising and epistaxis: Alteplase increases the risk of bleeding due to its thrombolytic activity. Bruising and epistaxis (nosebleeds) are common manifestations of bleeding associated with alteplase therapy. Monitoring for these signs helps detect potential bleeding complications early, allowing for prompt intervention to minimize further bleeding and manage the patient's condition appropriately.

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The patient has been started on warfarin (Coumadin) for deep vein thrombosis. The patient asks when the medication will break up the clots. The nurse's best response would be:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The most common adverse effect of epoetin alfa is:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient is receiving alteplase (Activase), a thrombolytic drug. The nurse monitors the patient for which of the following possible adverse effects?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse responds to the client's questions about CAM therapies and explains that some have been popular for centuries in treating conditions of the body and mind including which of the following? (Select All that Apply.)

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The patient requests information on alternative treatments for her arthritis. The nurse provides the patient with information on which of the following supplements?

A patient has been taking heparin for three days and has developed hematuria. The most appropriate action for the nurse is to:

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is the stopping of blood flow, an essential mechanism protecting the body from both external and internal injury.