Which drug class is capable of dissolving blood clots?
Salicylates.
Antiplatelets.
Anticoagulants.
Thrombolytic agents.
The Correct Answer is D
Thrombolytic agents are a classification of drugs that dissolve blood clots by activating the enzyme plasmin, which breaks down the proteins (fibrins) that form clots. They are used for serious conditions, such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, or heart attack when the blood flow needs to be restored quickly.
Choice A is wrong because salicylates are anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain. They also have antiplatelet effects, but they do not dissolve existing clots.
Choice B is wrong because antiplatelets are drugs that prevent platelets from sticking together and forming clots. They are used to prevent clotting in conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease. They do not dissolve existing clots either.
Choice C is wrong because anticoagulants are drugs that prevent clots from forming by interfering with the clotting factors that are normally present in the blood.
They are used to treat or prevent conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or atrial fibrillation. They do not dissolve existing clots.
Normal ranges for clotting factors vary depending on the laboratory and the method used, but some common values are:
• Prothrombin time (PT): 11 to 13 seconds
• International normalized ratio (INR): 0.8 to 1.2
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): 25 to 35 seconds
• Fibrinogen: 200 to 400 mg/dL
• D-dimer: less than 0.5 mcg/mL
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Anticoagulants are medicines that increase the time it takes for blood to clot.They do not dissolve existing clots, but they can stop them from getting bigger or prevent new clots from forming.Anticoagulants work by interfering with different steps of the blood coagulation pathway, which is a complex process that involves many clotting factors.
Choice A is wrong because anticoagulants do not dissolve existing clots.To dissolve clots, you need medicines called thrombolytics or fibrinolytics, which break down the fibrin that holds the clots together.
Choice B is wrong because anticoagulants do not transport platelets.
Platelets are blood cells that help with clotting by sticking together and forming a plug at the site of an injury.Anticoagulants may affect the function of platelets, but they do not move them around.
Choice D is wrong because anticoagulants do not increase blood viscosity.
Viscosity is a measure of how thick and sticky a fluid is.
Anticoagulants are sometimes called blood thinners, but they do not actually change the viscosity of blood.They just make it less likely to clot.
Normal ranges for blood clotting tests vary depending on the type of test and the laboratory that performs it.
Some common tests and their normal ranges 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
• Anti-factor Xa: 0.3 to 0.7 units/mL
• D-dimer: less than 0.5 mcg/mL
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Nitroglycerin is a medication that dilates the blood vessels and improves blood flow to the heart. It is used to treat angina, a condition that causes chest pain due to reduced oxygen supply to the heart. However, nitroglycerin can lose its effectiveness over time if it is used continuously. This is called tolerance, and it means that the patient will need higher doses of the medication to achieve the same relief. To avoid tolerance, patients who use transdermal nitroglycerin patches are instructed to remove the patch at bedtime and apply a new one in the morning. This creates a nitrate-free interval of about 8 to 12 hours, which allows the body to restore its sensitivity to nitroglycerin.
Choice A is wrong because an allergic response is not a common side effect of nitroglycerin. Some patients may experience skin irritation or rash at the site of application, but this is usually mild and does not require discontinuation of the medication.
Choice C is wrong because overdosage is unlikely with transdermal nitroglycerin patches. The patches deliver a controlled amount of nitroglycerin through the skin over a period of time. The risk of overdosage is higher with other forms of nitroglycerin, such as tablets or sprays, which are taken as needed for acute angina attacks.
Choice D is wrong because forgetting to remove the patch in the morning is not a serious problem. The patch will continue to deliver nitroglycerin until it is removed, but it will not cause harm to the patient. However, it may reduce the effectiveness of the next patch if there is no nitrate-free interval between them.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today