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 A
Explanation
Protamine sulfate is a medication that can be used to reverse the anticoagulant effects of heparin1.
It is a polycationic protein drug obtained from the sperm of fish and is used to reverse the anticoagulant effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH)2.
Choice B, Deferoxamine, is not the correct answer because it is a medication used to treat iron overload, not to reverse heparin’s effects.
Choice C, Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, is not the correct answer because it is a medication used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, not to reverse heparin’s effects.
Choice D, Acetylcysteine, is not the correct answer because it is a medication used to treat acetaminophen overdose and to loosen thick mucus in individuals with cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should administer 2 tablets.
Since each tablet contains 325 mg of aspirin, to administer a dose of 650 mg, the nurse should give 650 mg / 325 mg/tablet = 2 tablets.
Choice A is incorrect because 1 tablet would only provide a dose of 325 mg.
Choice C is incorrect because 3 tablets would provide a dose of 975 mg.
Choice D is incorrect because 4 tablets would provide a dose of 1300 mg.
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