Which drug class is capable of dissolving blood clots?
Salicylates.
Antiplatelets.
Anticoagulants.
Thrombolytic agents.
The Correct Answer is D
Thrombolytic agents are a classification of drugs that dissolve blood clots by activating the enzyme plasmin, which breaks down the proteins (fibrins) that form clots. They are used for serious conditions, such as stroke, pulmonary embolism, or heart attack when the blood flow needs to be restored quickly.
Choice A is wrong because salicylates are anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are involved in inflammation and pain. They also have antiplatelet effects, but they do not dissolve existing clots.
Choice B is wrong because antiplatelets are drugs that prevent platelets from sticking together and forming clots. They are used to prevent clotting in conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease. They do not dissolve existing clots either.
Choice C is wrong because anticoagulants are drugs that prevent clots from forming by interfering with the clotting factors that are normally present in the blood.
They are used to treat or prevent conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or atrial fibrillation. They do not dissolve existing clots.
Normal ranges for clotting factors vary depending on the laboratory and the method used, but some common values are:
• Prothrombin time (PT): 11 to 13 seconds
• International normalized ratio (INR): 0.8 to 1.2
• Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): 25 to 35 seconds
• Fibrinogen: 200 to 400 mg/dL
• D-dimer: less than 0.5 mcg/mL
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Furosemide is a diuretic that lowers blood pressure and increases urine output. It also causes potassium loss, which can lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels). The patient’s blood pressure is already low when sitting, and the serum potassium is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Administering furosemide could worsen these conditions and cause adverse effects such as dehydration, dizziness, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and renal impairment. Therefore, the nurse should contact the provider before giving the medication and report the vital signs and laboratory results.
Choice A. Administer medication is wrong because it could harm the patient as explained above.
Choice C. Hold medication until next dose is wrong because it does not address the underlying problem of fluid retention and hypokalemia.
The nurse should not delay notifying the provider about the patient’s condition.
Choice D. Check urine output before giving medication is wrong because it is not enough to ensure the patient’s safety.
The nurse should also check the blood pressure and serum potassium levels, which are more critical indicators of the patient’s status.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Class IV antidysrhythmics or calcium channel blockers have the action ofdecreasing the flow of calcium ionsinto the cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells, thusdecreasing heart rate and contractions.
This leads to vasodilation and myocardial depression, which can help control arrhythmias, hypertension and angina.
Choice A is wrong because calcium channel blockers do not increase blood vessel spasm, but rather relax them by inhibiting the calcium influx that causes contraction.
Choice C is wrong because calcium channel blockers do not promote platelet aggregation, but rather inhibit it by interfering with the calcium-dependent binding of fibrinogen to platelets.
Choice D is wrong because calcium channel blockers do not enhance sympathetic nervous system activity, but rather counteract it by reducing the cardiac output and peripheral resistance.
Some normal ranges for reference are:
• Heart rate: 60-100 beats per minute
• Blood pressure: 120/80 mmHg
• Calcium: 8.5-10.5 mg/dL
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