Unlike heparin, the anticoagulant activity of warfarin can take several to reach its maximum effect.
The Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"B"}
A. Minutes: This is too short a timeframe for warfarin's effect. It takes longer for the body's existing clotting factors to be depleted.
B. Days: This medication works by inhibiting the production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. As existing clotting factors are used up and new ones aren't produced as efficiently, it takes time for the anticoagulant effect to become significant.
C. Weeks: While the full effect might take some time (around 3-5 days), several weeks is an overestimation for most patients.
D. Hours: A few hours might show some initial effect, but it's not enough time for a substantial anticoagulant effect. It usually takes at least a day or two.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Vitamin K: Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, not heparin. Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. Therefore, vitamin K is used to reverse the effects of warfarin in cases of over-anticoagulation. It does not reverse the effects of heparin.
B. Deferoxamine: Deferoxamine is a chelating agent used to treat iron toxicity and aluminum overload. It is not indicated for reversing the effects of heparin.
C. Acetylcysteine: Acetylcysteine is used as an antidote for acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose. It is not indicated for reversing the effects of heparin.
D. Protamine sulfate: This is the correct answer. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin. It works by binding to heparin to form a stable complex, thereby neutralizing its anticoagulant effects. Protamine sulfate is commonly used in clinical practice to reverse the effects of heparin in situations such as hemorrhage or when rapid reversal of anticoagulation is needed, such as before surgery.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Platelets 74,000/mm: A platelet count of 74,000/mm³ is significantly lower than the normal range (typically 150,000 to 450,000/mm³). This could indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious adverse effect of heparin therapy where the immune system forms antibodies against heparin bound to platelet factor 4, leading to a decrease in platelets and increased risk of thrombosis. This is a critical finding and should be reported immediately to the provider for further evaluation and potential adjustment of the treatment plan.
B. White blood cell count 8,000/mm³: This is within the normal range (typically 4,000 to 11,000/mm³) and does not indicate an immediate problem related to heparin therapy or pulmonary embolism management.
C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) 55 seconds: While slightly elevated, this PTT is within the therapeutic range for a patient receiving IV heparin (typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal control value, or about 45 to 70 seconds). This indicates that the heparin is having the desired anticoagulant effect.
D. Hematocrit 45%: This is within the normal range for adults (typically 38-50% for men and 35-45% for women) and does not indicate an immediate concern related to heparin therapy or pulmonary embolism.
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