What is the main action of anticoagulant drugs?
To dissolve the existing clots.
To transport platelets.
To act as a fibrinolytic agent.
To prevent further clots from forming.
The Correct Answer is D
Anticoagulant drugs are medicines that prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger.
They do not dissolve existing clots or transport platelets. They work by interfering with different steps of the blood coagulation pathway, which is the process that leads to clot formation.
Choice A is wrong because anticoagulant drugs do not dissolve existing clots.
To dissolve clots, you need fibrinolytic drugs, which break down the fibrin mesh that holds the clots together.
Choice B is wrong because anticoagulant drugs do not transport platelets.
Platelets are blood cells that stick together to form clots.
Anticoagulant drugs may affect the function of platelets, but they do not move them around.
Choice C is wrong because anticoagulant drugs do not act as fibrinolytic agents.
Fibrinolytic agents are drugs that activate plasmin, an enzyme that breaks down fibrin.
Anticoagulant drugs may inhibit the formation of fibrin, but they do not break it down.
Some examples of anticoagulant drugs are warfarin, heparin, and factor Xa inhibitors.
The normal ranges for some blood tests that measure the effects of anticoagulants are:
• Prothrombin time (PT): 11 to 13.5 seconds
• International normalized ratio (INR): 0.8 to 1.2
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): 25 to 35 seconds
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Erectile dysfunction drugs should not be used when a patient is taking nitrates.This is because both types of drugs cause blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or fainting.
Choice B is wrong because alpha-adrenergic blockers are sometimes used together with nitrates to treat high blood pressure and angina. They work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow.
Choice C is wrong because calcium channel blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure and angina. They work by blocking the entry of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, which reduces the force of contraction and relaxes the blood vessels.
Choice D is wrong because beta-adrenergic blockers are another class of drugs that can be used with nitrates to treat high blood pressure and angina. They work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart and blood vessels, which slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure.
Normal ranges for blood pressure vary depending on age, gender and other factors, but generally they are between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg for healthy adults.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
ACE inhibitors are a type of medication used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by blocking the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which narrows the blood vessels and increases blood pressure.By preventing this hormone from acting, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart. One of the most common side effects of ACE inhibitors is a dry cough, which occurs in 12–19% of people who take them. The cough is caused by the accumulation of a substance called bradykinin, which is normally broken down by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE).When ACE is inhibited, bradykinin levels increase and cause irritation and inflammation in the airways.
Choice A is wrong because decreased white blood cells are not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
However, some people may develop a condition called neutropenia, which is a low level of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils.This can increase the risk of infections and may require stopping the medication.
Choice B is wrong because swelling of the face and lips is not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
However, some people may develop a rare but serious allergic reaction called angioedema, which is a swelling of the deeper layers of the skin and mucous membranes.
This can affect the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other parts of the body and can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.Angioedema can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice D is wrong because renal failure is not a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
However, some people may experience a decrease in kidney function or an increase in blood levels of creatinine, which is a waste product filtered by the kidneys.
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