Aspirin is administered to the client experiencing an MI because of its:
Antipyretic action
Antiplatelet action
Analgesic action
Antithrombotic action
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Antipyretic action refers to the ability to reduce fever. While aspirin does have antipyretic properties, this is not the primary reason it is administered during an MI. Fever is not a characteristic symptom of MI, and reducing fever would not directly address the underlying cause of the MI, which is the formation of a blood clot in a coronary artery.
Choice B rationale:
Antiplatelet action is the ability to prevent platelets from clumping together and forming blood clots. This is the crucial mechanism by which aspirin helps in the setting of an MI.
During an MI, a blood clot forms in a coronary artery, blocking blood flow to the heart muscle. This blockage can cause severe damage to the heart muscle, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Aspirin irreversibly inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is essential for platelet aggregation. By blocking COX, aspirin prevents platelets from sticking together and forming new clots. This can help to:
Limit the size of the existing clot in the coronary artery.
Prevent the formation of additional clots that could further block blood flow.
Allow for better blood flow to the heart muscle, reducing damage and improving outcomes.
Choice C rationale:
Analgesic action refers to the ability to relieve pain. While aspirin does have analgesic properties, this is not the primary reason it is administered during an MI. Pain relief is an important aspect of managing MI symptoms, but it does not directly address the underlying cause of the MI, which is the blood clot.
Choice D rationale:
Antithrombotic action is a broader term that encompasses any action that prevents or reduces blood clot formation. Aspirin's antiplatelet action is a specific type of antithrombotic action. However, it's important to note that aspirin does not directly dissolve existing clots; it primarily prevents new clots from forming.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pain relief is a primary benefit of morphine administration in the setting of myocardial infarction.
Pain can trigger a stress response, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand.
Morphine effectively reduces pain, thereby lessening the stress response and its detrimental effects on the heart.
This helps to minimize myocardial ischemia and potential further damage to the heart muscle.
Pain control also improves patient comfort and overall well-being, which can indirectly contribute to better cardiac outcomes.
Choice B rationale:
Sedation is another important benefit of morphine in this context.
It promotes rest and relaxation, which can lower heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand.
This is crucial for patients with myocardial infarction, as their hearts require reduced workload to heal and recover.
Sedation also helps to alleviate anxiety and agitation, which can further strain the heart.
By inducing a state of calmness, morphine can indirectly protect the heart from additional stress.
Choice C rationale:
While morphine does have diuretic effects, increasing urinary output is not a primary goal in the management of myocardial infarction.
In fact, excessive diuresis could potentially lead to dehydration and hypotension, which could be detrimental to cardiac function.
Therefore, while morphine may slightly increase urine output, this is not a major reason for its use in this setting.
Choice D rationale:
Decreasing myocardial demand is a key benefit of morphine administration in patients with myocardial infarction.
Morphine achieves this by:
Reducing pain and the associated stress response
Promoting sedation and relaxation
Diminishing anxiety and agitation
Exerting a direct vasodilatory effect on blood vessels
This collective action of morphine leads to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and the heart’s overall workload.
As a result, the heart requires less oxygen and experiences reduced strain, allowing for better healing and recovery following a myocardial infarction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot that forms in a vein, usually in the legs. It can be a serious condition, as the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).
Crossing the legs at the knees can impede blood flow in the veins of the legs, increasing the risk of VTE. This is because it compresses the veins, slowing the flow of blood and making it more likely for clots to form.
The patient's statement that they will make sure not to cross their legs when resting in bed demonstrates that they understand this important risk factor for VTE and are taking steps to prevent it.
Choice B rationale:
While keeping pillows under the knees can help to improve circulation, it is not a specific measure to prevent VTE. It is more important to avoid crossing the legs and to engage in regular movement and activity to promote blood flow.
Choice C rationale:
Compression stockings can help to reduce the risk of VTE by compressing the veins in the legs and promoting blood flow. However, they should be worn as instructed by a healthcare professional, and not only if the patient experiences pain in their calves. Pain in the calves can be a symptom of VTE, so it is important to seek medical attention if it occurs.
Choice D rationale:
Bed rest is actually a risk factor for VTE, as it can lead to decreased blood flow in the legs. It is important to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery, even if it is just for short periods of time. This will help to promote blood flow and reduce the risk of VTE.
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