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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it might seem that smaller doses of both drugs could be used when they are prescribed together, this is not the primary reason for using heparin and warfarin together. Both drugs have different mechanisms of action and are used for their unique therapeutic effects.
Choice B rationale
The combination of heparin and warfarin does not facilitate thrombolysis more quickly. Thrombolysis is the process of breaking down clots, and while these medications can prevent the formation of new clots, they do not actively break down existing ones.
Choice C rationale
Heparin and warfarin are often used together in the treatment of thrombophlebitis because they provide different benefits. Heparin acts quickly to prevent further clotting and allows the body to naturally break down existing clots. Warfarin, on the other hand, takes several days to become effective. Therefore, heparin is used to provide immediate anticoagulation until the warfarin becomes effective.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that the combination of heparin and warfarin provides immediate anticoagulation, this is primarily due to the action of heparin. Warfarin takes several days to become effective, so it does not contribute to the immediate anticoagulant effect.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The client’s fasting blood glucose level, postprandial blood glucose level, and hemoglobin A1c level are all within the target range for good blood glucose control in diabetes. Therefore, the client is not at an increased risk for developing hypoglycemia.
Choice B rationale
Insulin resistance is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes, not type 1 diabetes. The client’s blood glucose levels are well controlled, which suggests that the client’s insulin regimen is effective, not that the client is demonstrating signs of insulin resistance.
Choice C rationale
The client’s fasting blood glucose level, postprandial blood glucose level, and hemoglobin A1c level are all within the target range for good blood glucose control in diabetes. Therefore, the client is demonstrating good control of blood glucose.
Choice D rationale
The client’s fasting blood glucose level, postprandial blood glucose level, and hemoglobin A1c level are all within the target range for good blood glucose control in diabetes. Therefore, the client is not at an increased risk for developing hyperglycemia.
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