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 ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Rotating injection sites when administering insulin glargine is important to prevent lipodystrophy, a condition that can affect insulin absorption.
Choice B rationale
Insulin glargine has no peak of action, which reduces the risk of hypoglycemia. This is a key feature of long-acting insulins like glargine.
Choice C rationale
Food does not need to be consumed within 30 minutes after injection of insulin glargine. This is a characteristic of rapid-acting insulins, not long-acting insulins like glargine.
Choice D rationale
Checking for microalbuminuria if blood glucose levels are above 280 mg/dL is a good practice. Microalbuminuria can be an early sign of kidney damage, which can occur with poorly controlled diabetes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Step 1 is to understand the therapeutic range for aPTT when a patient is on heparin therapy. The therapeutic range for aPTT is 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value. Given that the normal aPTT value is around 30-40 seconds, the therapeutic range would be approximately 45-100 seconds. Therefore, an aPTT value of 75 seconds falls within this therapeutic range, indicating that the heparin therapy is effective.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.