The nurse is caring for a patient who has received alteplase [Activase]. It is most important for the nurse to take which action?

Avoid applying pressure to needleless access sites after giving medications.

Monitor neurologic status every 15 minutes during and after infusion.

Administer heparin when partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is less than 70 seconds.

Give aspirin when platelet count is greater than 150,000/mm3.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

This is because alteplase [Activase] is a thrombolytic drug that dissolves blood clots and can cause bleeding complications, especially intracranial hemorrhage. Neurologic assessment is essential to detect any signs of bleeding in the brain, such as altered level of consciousness, headache, or focal deficits.

Choice A is wrong because applying pressure to needleless access sites after giving medications is a standard precaution to prevent bleeding and infection. It is not specific to alteplase [Activase] therapy.

Choice C is wrong because administering heparin when partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is less than 70 seconds is not recommended for patients who have received alteplase [Activase].

Heparin is an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding and should be used with caution in patients who have received thrombolytic therapy. The PTT should be monitored closely and heparin should be withheld if the PTT is above the therapeutic range.

Choice D is wrong because giving aspirin when platelet count is greater than 150,000/mm3 is not indicated for patients who have received alteplase [Activase].

Aspirin is an antiplatelet drug that can also increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided in patients who have received thrombolytic therapy.

The platelet count should be monitored closely and aspirin should be withheld if the platelet count is below the normal range (150,000 to 450,000/mm3).

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Warfarin is an anticoagulant that inhibits the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. The INR is a standardized measure of the prothrombin time (PT), which reflects the degree of anticoagulation.The therapeutic range for INR is 2 to 3 for most conditions, and higher for some mechanical heart valves.

Choice A) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is wrong because it is used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin therapy.

Heparin is another anticoagulant that works by activating antithrombin III, which inhibits thrombin and factor Xa.The therapeutic range for aPTT is 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal value, which is 30 to 40 seconds.

Choice B) Prothrombin time (PT) is wrong because it is not a standardized measure of the warfarin effect.

The PT can vary depending on the reagents and methods used by different laboratories.The INR was developed to eliminate this variability and provide a consistent measure of the warfarin effect.

Choice D) Platelet count is wrong because it is not affected by warfarin therapy.

Warfarin does not affect the number or function of platelets, only the clotting factors.Platelet count can be used to monitor other conditions that affect hemostasis, such as thrombocytopenia or thrombocytosis.

A. Ibuprofen B. Naproxen C. Acetaminophen D. Aspirin.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever.The nurse will recommend acetaminophen, which is the safest pain reliever while taking warfarin.Acetaminophen does not interfere with the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and does not increase the risk of bleeding.

Choice A is wrong because ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and increase the likelihood of harmful bleeding.

NSAIDs can also cause stomach ulcers, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.

Choice B is wrong because naproxen is another NSAID that has the same risks as ibuprofen.

Naproxen should be avoided by patients taking warfarin.

Choice D is wrong because aspirin is also an anticoagulant that can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin.

Aspirin can also cause stomach irritation, ulcers, and allergic reactions.

The normal range for INR is 2 to 3 for patients with atrial fibrillation who are taking warfarin.

An INR of 2.5 indicates that the patient’s blood is taking longer to clot than normal, but not too long.

The patient should have regular blood tests to monitor their INR and adjust their warfarin dose if needed.

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The nurse is caring for a patient who has received alteplase [Activase]. It is most important for the nurse to take which action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has atrial fibrillation and is receiving warfarin therapy to prevent thromboembolism formation. The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values to determine the effectiveness of the medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient who has atrial fibrillation is taking warfarin and has an INR of 2.5.The patient reports having frequent headaches and asks for an over-the-counter pain reliever.The nurse will recommend which medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client who has atrial fibrillation is prescribed dabigatran etexilate mesylate (Pradaxa). The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following findings immediately? (Select all that apply.)

A patient has been prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Which laboratory test should be monitored while on this medication?

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin therapy via continuous IV infusion for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The nurse should monitor which of the following laboratory values to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of heparin therapy?

The nurse recognizes what absolute contraindication to the administration of a thrombolytic to a patient having an acute myocardial infarction?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has received alteplase [Activase]. It is most important for the nurse to take which action?

A nurse is caring for a client who has pulmonary embolism and is receiving alteplase via continuous IV infusion.The nurse should monitor for which adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply.)

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?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving argatroban IV for HIT and requires urgent surgery. The nurse should stop the infusion at least how many hours before the surgery?