A postoperative patient reports a new pain in the left lower extremity. The nurse notes swelling in the lower leg, which feels warm to the touch. The nurse notifies the MD of the patient's change in condition. Which medication will the RN anticipate giving?
Aspirin
Clopidogrel (Plavix)
Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason:
Aspirin is an antiplatelet medication used to prevent blood clots in the arteries but is not the primary treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is likely in this scenario. The patient's symptoms suggest a possible DVT, which requires anticoagulation therapy.
Choice B reason:
Clopidogrel (Plavix) is another antiplatelet medication, similar to aspirin, and is not the primary treatment for DVT. It is more commonly used to prevent clotting in arterial diseases such as coronary artery disease but not for venous thromboembolism.
Choice C reason:
Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a low molecular weight heparin used for the initial treatment of DVT. It is an anticoagulant that helps prevent further clot formation and allows the body to break down the existing clot. Given the patient's symptoms, enoxaparin is the appropriate medication to anticipate for managing DVT.
Choice D reason:
Warfarin (Coumadin) is an oral anticoagulant used for long-term prevention of thromboembolism but is not typically used for initial DVT treatment due to its slow onset of action. Enoxaparin or other forms of heparin are preferred for immediate anticoagulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Elevated triglycerides are a concern and are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease, but they are not as strong a predictor of coronary atherosclerosis as elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Triglycerides contribute to the overall lipid profile and can indicate metabolic issues, but LDL is more directly linked to plaque formation in arteries.
Choice B reason:
Elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is generally considered beneficial and protective against coronary artery disease. HDL helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream and arterial walls, transporting it to the liver for excretion. Therefore, elevated HDL is not concerning and is actually desirable.
Choice C reason:
Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the most concerning when considering the risk of coronary atherosclerosis. LDL is known as "bad cholesterol" because high levels can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Managing and reducing LDL levels is a primary goal in preventing and treating coronary artery disease.
Choice D reason:
Elevated cholesterol is a general term that can refer to increased levels of any lipoprotein in the blood. While concerning, it is more important to identify which specific lipoproteins are elevated. Elevated LDL levels, in particular, are more directly related to the risk of coronary atherosclerosis compared to total cholesterol.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D reason: The backup of pancreatic enzymes is the initial trigger for tissue damage in pancreatitis. When these enzymes become activated within the pancreas, they begin to digest pancreatic tissue, leading to inflammation and damage.
Choice A reason: Insulin toxicity is not a cause of tissue damage in pancreatitis. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and does not play a role in the initial damage seen in pancreatitis.
Choice B reason: Autoimmune destruction of the pancreas is associated with conditions like type 1 diabetes, not pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is primarily caused by the premature activation of digestive enzymes within the pancreas.
Choice C reason: Hydrochloric acid reflux into the pancreatic duct is not a known cause of pancreatitis. The condition is related to the digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas itself, not stomach acid.
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