A patient has been prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Which laboratory test should be monitored while on this medication?

Prothrombin time (PT)

International normalized ratio (INR)

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)

Platelet count.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) that inhibits thrombin, a key enzyme in the coagulation cascade.

Dabigatran prolongs the aPTT, which is a measure of the intrinsic and common pathways of coagulation. The aPTT can be used to monitor the anticoagulant effect of dabigatran, although routine monitoring is not required.

Choice A) Prothrombin time (PT) is wrong because PT measures the extrinsic and common pathways of coagulation, which are not affected by dabigatran.

PT is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not dabigatran.

Choice B) International normalized ratio (INR) is wrong because INR is a standardized version of PT that is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not dabigatran.

INR is not affected by dabigatran.

Choice D) Platelet count is wrong because platelet count is a measure of the number of platelets in the blood, which are involved in primary hemostasis.

Platelet count is not affected by dabigatran, which acts on secondary hemostasis.

Normal ranges for these tests are:

• aPTT: 25 to 35 seconds

• PT: 11 to 13.5 seconds

• INR: 0.8 to 1.2

• Platelet count: 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is because argatroban is a direct thrombin inhibitor that can be used as an alternative anticoagulant for patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).HIT is an immune-mediated disorder that occurs when antibodies form against heparin and platelet factor 4, leading to platelet activation and thrombosis.The diagnosis of HIT is based on clinical criteria and laboratory tests.

Choice A is wrong because warfarin is a vitamin K antagonist that interferes with the synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X.Warfarin is contraindicated in patients with HIT because it can worsen the thrombotic complications and cause skin necrosis.Warfarin should only be started after the platelet count has recovered and the patient is adequately anticoagulated with a non-heparin agent.

Choice B is wrong because clopidogrel is an antiplatelet agent that inhibits the ADP receptor on platelets, preventing their aggregation.Clopidogrel is not effective for the treatment of HIT, as it does not target the underlying mechanism of thrombin generation.Clopidogrel may also increase the risk of bleeding in patients with HIT.

Choice D is wrong because alteplase is a fibrinolytic agent that converts plasminogen to plasmin, which breaks down fibrin clots.Alteplase is not indicated for the treatment of HIT, as it does not prevent further thrombosis and may cause severe bleeding complications.Alteplase may be used as a last resort for life-threatening thrombosis in patients with HIT who do not respond to other therapies.

A. “Heparin works faster than warfarin, so it is given until warfarin reaches an effective level in your blood.” B. “Heparin and warfarin work on different clotting factors in your blood, so they have a synergistic effect.” C. “Heparin is given by injection, while warfarin is given by mouth, so they have different routes of administration.” D. “Heparin prevents new clots from forming, while warfarin helps dissolve existing clots in your blood vessels.” E. “Heparin has a shorter duration of action than warfarin, so it is easier to reverse if bleeding occurs.”.

Correct Answer is ["A","E"]

Explanation

Heparin works faster than warfarin, so it is given until warfarin reaches an effective level in your blood.

Heparin has a shorter duration of action than warfarin, so it is easier to reverse if bleeding occurs.

Choice B is wrong because heparin and warfarin do not have a synergistic effect.

They work on different clotting factors, but they do not enhance each other’s effects.

Choice C is wrong because the route of administration is not relevant to the rationale for using both medications.

Heparin and warfarin can be given by different routes, but that does not explain why they are both necessary.

Choice D is wrong because warfarin does not help dissolve existing clots.

Warfarin prevents the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, but it does not break down clots that have already formed.

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A patient has been prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Which laboratory test should be monitored while on this medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient is receiving heparin therapy during hemodialysis for chronic renal failure and develops heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). The nurse anticipates that which medication will be ordered for this patient?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["A","E"]

Explanation

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