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 C
Explanation
This is the first step in controlling bleeding and preventing hematoma formation 1.
Applying direct pressure to the wound with a sterile gauze or a clean cloth can help stop the bleeding 2.
Choice A is not the best answer because a tourniquet should only be used as a last resort to control life-threatening bleeding from a limb 2.
Choice B is not the best answer because placing the client in a modified Trendelenburg position is not necessary for this situation.
Choice D is not the best answer because settling the client in a reclining position is not necessary for this situation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The statement “I won’t seal my lips around the mouthpiece and take slow, deep breaths” indicates a need for further teaching.
When using a nebulizer, the client should place the mouthpiece in their mouth between their teeth and close their lips around it 1.
They should also take slow, deep breaths to ensure that the medication is properly inhaled 1.
Choice A is incorrect because washing the mouthpiece with warm soapy water each day is a recommended action 2.
Choice B is incorrect because storing the nebulizer at room temperature is acceptable.
Choice D is incorrect because it is not necessary to keep medication in the nebulizer at all times.
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