A patient is receiving alteplase (Activase), a thrombolytic drug. The nurse monitors the patient for which of the following possible adverse effects?
Temperature of 100.8 Degrees Fahrenheit (38.2 Degrees Celsius)
Skin rash with urticaria
Wheezing with labored breathing
Bruising and epistaxis
The Correct Answer is D
A. Temperature of 100.8 Degrees Fahrenheit (38.2 Degrees Celsius): Fever can indicate a potential adverse reaction to the medication or may be a sign of infection, which could complicate the patient's condition. While a fever can be a sign of an infection, it's not a typical adverse effect for alteplase
B. Skin rash with urticaria: Skin rash and urticaria (hives) can indicate an allergic reaction to alteplase. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe and may necessitate discontinuation of the medication and administration of appropriate treatment, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, depending on the severity of the reaction but it's less common than bleeding.
C. Wheezing with labored breathing: Wheezing and labored breathing can indicate a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to alteplase but again, bleeding is a more prominent concern.
D. Bruising and epistaxis: Alteplase increases the risk of bleeding due to its thrombolytic activity. Bruising and epistaxis (nosebleeds) are common manifestations of bleeding associated with alteplase therapy. Monitoring for these signs helps detect potential bleeding complications early, allowing for prompt intervention to minimize further bleeding and manage the patient's condition appropriately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can occur with epoetin alfa, but it's not the most common side effect.
B. Orthostatic hypotension: This is not a common side effect of epoetin alfa. Orthostatic hypotension is a decrease in blood pressure upon standing.
C. Hypertension: Epoetin alfa stimulates the production of red blood cells. When the red blood cell count increases too quickly, it can lead to increased blood pressure, which is the most common adverse effect.
D. Dizziness: Dizziness can occur with epoetin alfa, but it's less common than hypertension.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
White Blood Cells (WBCs): WBCs are part of the immune system and play a role in fighting infections. However, they are not directly involved in hemostasis or clot formation.
Antibodies: Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system to recognize and neutralize foreign substances (antigens). They do not directly participate in clot formation.
Red Blood Cells (RBCs): RBCs carry oxygen and carbon dioxide but are not directly involved in clotting. They do not adhere to the vessel wall during hemostasis.
Platelets: Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood. They clump together (aggregate) at the site of injury to form a temporary plug (platelet plug). Platelets adhere to the injured vessel wall and release chemicals that initiate clotting.
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