A client is receiving heparin sodium 1000 units per hour via an infusion and warfarin sodium 2.5 mg PO for thrombophlebitis in the left leg.
The nurse educates the client that heparin and warfarin are prescribed together because:
Smaller doses of both drugs can be used with this method.
This combination facilitates the thrombolysis more quickly.
The heparin provides anticoagulation until the warfarin becomes effective.
This combination provides immediate anticoagulation.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While it might seem that smaller doses of both drugs could be used when they are prescribed together, this is not the primary reason for using heparin and warfarin together. Both drugs have different mechanisms of action and are used for their unique therapeutic effects.
Choice B rationale
The combination of heparin and warfarin does not facilitate thrombolysis more quickly. Thrombolysis is the process of breaking down clots, and while these medications can prevent the formation of new clots, they do not actively break down existing ones.
Choice C rationale
Heparin and warfarin are often used together in the treatment of thrombophlebitis because they provide different benefits. Heparin acts quickly to prevent further clotting and allows the body to naturally break down existing clots. Warfarin, on the other hand, takes several days to become effective. Therefore, heparin is used to provide immediate anticoagulation until the warfarin becomes effective.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that the combination of heparin and warfarin provides immediate anticoagulation, this is primarily due to the action of heparin. Warfarin takes several days to become effective, so it does not contribute to the immediate anticoagulant effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) of 25 is within the normal range (25-35 seconds) and is not directly related to deep vein thrombosis (DVT)89.
Choice B rationale
A D-dimer level of 500 ng/mL is elevated (normal range is typically less than 250 ng/mL), which can indicate the presence of a clot, such as in DVT8910.
Choice C rationale
Prothrombin Time (PT) of 14 seconds is within the normal range (11-13.5 seconds) and is not directly related to DVT89.
Choice D rationale
A platelet count of 148,000 uL is within the normal range (150,000-450,000 uL) and is not directly related to DVT89.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Clients taking clopidogrel should be advised to call their healthcare provider if they notice that their stools are dark. This could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, a potential side effect of clopidogrel.
Choice B rationale
Changing positions slowly to avoid dizziness is not specifically related to clopidogrel use.
Choice C rationale
While it’s generally advised to avoid taking other blood thinners while on clopidogrel, aspirin is sometimes prescribed together with clopidogrel under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
There is no specific recommendation to take clopidogrel with orange juice for it to be more effective.
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