A patient diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis asks the nurse, “How does this blood thinner heparin work?” Which response is most accurate?

Heparin makes the blood less thick and easier to flow.

Heparin dissolves the clot and decreases the formation of platelets.

Heparin does not thin the blood; it prevents new clots from forming.

Heparin decreases the number of platelets so the blood flows more easily.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

Heparin does not actually thin the blood or make it less thick. Instead, it works by increasing the activity of antithrombin, a protein that inhibits blood clotting. This prevents new clots from forming and existing clots from growing larger.

Choice B rationale

Heparin does not dissolve clots or decrease the formation of platelets. Its primary action is to increase the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa, two key players in the blood clotting process.

Choice C rationale

This statement is accurate. Heparin does not thin the blood; instead, it prevents new clots from forming and existing clots from growing larger. It does this by increasing the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa.

Choice D rationale

Heparin does not decrease the number of platelets or make the blood flow more easily. Its primary action is to increase the activity of antithrombin, which in turn inactivates thrombin and factor Xa.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Administering the PRN antianxiety medication is not the most appropriate next step. The client’s symptoms—shortness of breath, anxiety, restlessness, tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension, and decreased oxygen saturation—are indicative of a potential pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis. While anxiety can be a symptom of a pulmonary embolism, treating it without addressing the underlying cause could delay necessary medical intervention.

Choice B rationale

Calling the rapid response team is the most appropriate next step. The client’s symptoms suggest a potential pulmonary embolism, a serious and life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical intervention. The rapid response team can provide the necessary urgent care.

Choice C rationale

Increasing the intravenous infusion rate is not the most appropriate next step. While hydration is important, it would not address the immediate life-threatening situation. The client’s symptoms suggest a potential pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate medical intervention.

Choice D rationale

Preparing for mechanical ventilation is not the most appropriate next step. While the client’s decreased oxygen saturation and increased respiratory rate suggest respiratory distress, the priority should be to address the potential pulmonary embolism. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary later depending on the client’s response to treatment.

A. Call the health care provider if you notice that your stools are dark. B. Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness. C. Do not take aspirin while you are taking clopidogrel. D. Take the clopidogrel with orange juice so it is more effective.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Clients taking clopidogrel should be advised to call their healthcare provider if they notice that their stools are dark. This could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, a potential side effect of clopidogrel.

Choice B rationale

Changing positions slowly to avoid dizziness is not specifically related to clopidogrel use.

Choice C rationale

While it’s generally advised to avoid taking other blood thinners while on clopidogrel, aspirin is sometimes prescribed together with clopidogrel under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

Choice D rationale

There is no specific recommendation to take clopidogrel with orange juice for it to be more effective.

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A patient diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis asks the nurse, “How does this blood thinner heparin work?” Which response is most accurate?

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

The client diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has a new prescription for clopidogrel. What information should the nurse include when teaching the client about this medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice B rationale

Choice C rationale

Choice D rationale

The nurse is preparing to administer a client’s warfarin sodium 5 mg PO at 1900. Upon entering the client’s room, the nurse finds several large, new ecchymotic areas on the client’s extremities. What should be the nurse’s initial action?

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