A nurse is caring for a client who has a thrombus and is receiving a continuous infusion of heparin. The client asks the nurse how long it will take for the heparin to dissolve the clot.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"The time it takes for heparin to dissolve a clot depends on the size of the clot.".
"The time it takes for heparin to dissolve a clot varies between clients.".
"Usually, it takes at least 2 to 3 days for heparin to dissolve a clot.".
"Heparin prevents new clots from forming rather than dissolving existing ones.".
The Correct Answer is D
Heparin is an anticoagulant that is used to decrease the clotting ability of the blood and help prevent harmful clots from forming in blood vessels 1.
However, heparin will not dissolve blood clots that have already formed, but it may prevent the clots from becoming larger and causing more serious problems 12.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because heparin does not dissolve existing clots. Instead, it works to prevent new clots from forming 12.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["94"]
Explanation
To calculate the flow rate in mL/hr, you need to divide the total volume to be infused by the total infusion time in hours (750 mL / 8 hr = 93.75 mL/hr).
Rounded to the nearest whole number, this is 94 mL/hr.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid taking verapamil with grapefruit.
Studies have demonstrated an interaction between verapamil and grapefruit juice, which is likely due to an inhibition of intestinal metabolism resulting in increased oral bioavailability1.
This means that grapefruit can interfere with the enzymes that break down verapamil in your digestive system, potentially leading to dangerous health problems2.
Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because there is no known interaction between verapamil and spinach, broccoli, or carrots.
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