A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis and has been on heparin continuous infusion for 5 days. The provider prescribes warfarin PO without discontinuing the heparin. The client asks the nurse why both anticoagulants are necessary. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
"I will call the provider to get a prescription for discontinuing the IV heparin today."
"Both heparin and warfarin work together to dissolve the clots."
"The IV heparin increases the effects of the warfarin and decreases the length of your hospital stay."
"Warfarin takes several days to work, so the IV heparin will be used until the warfarin reaches a therapeutic level."
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. Discontinuing heparin abruptly without achieving therapeutic levels of warfarin increases the risk of thrombus formation.
B. Heparin and warfarin have different mechanisms of action, but they both serve to prevent clot formation.
C. Heparin and warfarin do not directly affect each other's therapeutic effects.
D. Warfarin takes time to reach therapeutic levels and become effective, so heparin is continued until warfarin is fully active.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. This is wrong because the ECG leads show ST segment elevation.
B. Stable angina may present with ST segment depression in an ECG unlike in the strip shown above which depicts an ST segment elevation.
C. This is correct because of the ST segment elevation.
D. Unstable angina may have hyperacute T wave, flattening of the T waves, inverted T waves or an ST depression unlike in the above ECG strip.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Synchronized cardioversion is not appropriate for pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
B. A repeat ECG is not necessary for pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
C. Assessment of blood pressure is not the priority in pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
D. Immediate defibrillation is the priority in pulseless ventricular tachycardia to restore a perfusing rhythm.
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