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?
Warfarin
Clopidogrel
Argatroban
Alteplase.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D) Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
This is because enoxaparin (Lovenox) is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots by thinning the blood.Therefore, patients who take enoxaparin should avoid activities that can cause bleeding, such as using a hard-bristled toothbrush, flossing, shaving, or cutting their nails.
Choice A) Avoid foods that are high in vitamin K is wrong because vitamin K interacts with warfarin, another anticoagulant, but not with enoxaparin.Vitamin K helps the blood clot, so patients who take warfarin should avoid foods that are high in vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables, broccoli, or liver.
Choice B) Administer injections into areas with decreased subcutaneous tissue is wrong because enoxaparin should be injected into areas with adequate subcutaneous tissue, such as the abdomen or the thighs.Injecting into areas with decreased subcutaneous tissue can cause bruising, pain, or hematoma formation.
Choice C) Massage injection sites after administration is wrong because massaging the injection sites can cause bleeding, bruising, or irritation.Patients who take enoxaparin should not rub or press on the injection sites after administration.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
