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 ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Prayer: Prayer and meditation are practices that focus on the mind-body connection and can be used for relaxation, stress reduction, and promoting inner peace. These practices are often included in CAM approaches.
B. Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation. It can improve flexibility, strength, balance, and overall well-being, making it a popular CAM therapy.
C. Massage: Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to promote relaxation, pain relief, and improved circulation. It's a widely used CAM therapy.
D. Meditation: Meditation involves focusing your attention and quieting the mind. It can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being, aligning with CAM principles.
E. Ointments with a steroid base: Steroid creams are medications typically prescribed by doctors for specific skin conditions. While some natural remedies might be used topically in CAM, ointments with a steroid base wouldn't be considered a CAM therapy itself.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Have suction equipment at the bedside. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that inhibits blood clot formation. While it does not typically increase the risk of bleeding to the extent that requires constant suctioning, it's prudent to have suction equipment readily available for any patient who may be at risk of bleeding due to their underlying condition or concurrent medications. However, the administration of clopidogrel alone does not necessitate the need for constant suctioning.
B. Monitor the client for black, tarry stools. This is the correct answer. Clopidogrel, like other antiplatelet medications, increases the risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding. Black, tarry stools can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be a serious complication of clopidogrel therapy. Therefore, monitoring for this symptom is essential for early detection of potential bleeding complications.
C. Administer the medication with each meal. Clopidogrel can be administered with or without food, as it is not significantly affected by food intake. However, there is no specific recommendation to administer it with meals. The timing of administration may vary based on the prescriber's instructions or patient preferences, but it does not need to be consistently administered with meals.
D. Initiate contact precautions. Clopidogrel therapy does not require contact precautions. Contact precautions are typically implemented for patients with contagious infections that spread via direct or indirect contact. Clopidogrel does not pose a risk of transmission to others and does not warrant contact precautions.
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