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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A serum fasting glucose of 101 mg/dL is slightly above the normal range (70-100 mg/dL), indicating a possible prediabetes condition. However, it is not a contraindication for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Choice B rationale
A platelet count of 160,000 uL is within the normal range (150,000-450,000 uL). Therefore, it is not a contraindication for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Choice C rationale
A hemoglobin level of 13.6 g/dL is within the normal range for both men (13.5-17.5 g/dL) and women (12.0-15.5 g/dL). Thus, it is not a contraindication for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Choice D rationale
A serum creatinine level of 2.5 mg/dL is above the normal range (0.6-1.2 mg/dL for men, 0.5- 1.1 mg/dL for women), indicating impaired kidney function. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is contraindicated in patients with severe renal insufficiency.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring the peak level of the antibiotic is important, but it is not the priority nursing action. Peak levels are typically drawn after the drug has been administered and are used to assess whether the dosage is sufficient.
Choice B rationale
Assessing the client’s vital signs is an important part of nursing care, but it is not the priority action when preparing to administer an aminoglycoside antibiotic.
Choice C rationale
Obtaining a serum trough level is the priority nursing action. Trough levels are drawn just before the next dose of the drug is due and are used to assess whether the dosage is safe.
Choice D rationale
Asking the client about drug allergies is an important part of nursing care, but it is not the priority action when preparing to administer an aminoglycoside antibiotic.
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