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 C
Explanation
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that increases the force of heart contractions (positive inotropy) and decreases the heart rate (negative chronotropy) by inhibiting the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in the cardiac cell membranes and affecting the autonomic tone.This helps to improve the symptoms of heart failure and to control the ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation.
Choice A is wrong because positive chronotropy means increasing the heart rate, which is the opposite of what digoxin does.
Choice B is wrong because negative inotropy means decreasing the force of heart contractions, which is also the opposite of what digoxin does.
Choice D is wrong because positive inotropy and positive chronotropy would both increase the workload of the heart, which is not desirable in heart failure or atrial fibrillation.
Normal ranges for digoxin are 0.5 to 2 ng/mL for heart failure and 0.8 to 2 ng/mL for atrial fibrillation.Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window and can cause serious side effects if overdosed or underdosed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Hypokalemia is a condition where the blood potassium level is too low, which can cause muscle weakness, arrhythmias, and other problems. Diuretics are drugs that increase urine output and help remove excess fluid from the body. Some diuretics, such as loop diuretics, also cause potassium loss in the urine.To prevent hypokalemia, a combination of diuretics may be prescribed, such as a loop diuretic with a potassium-sparing diuretic or a thiazide diuretic. These combinations help balance the potassium level while still removing sodium and water.
Choice A is wrong because they are not a part of the initial diuretic therapy.Combination diuretic therapy is usually reserved for patients who have resistant edema or hypertension that does not respond to monotherapy.
Choice C is wrong because they do not boost the blood-pressure-lowering effect of other medications.Diuretics can lower blood pressure by reducing blood volume and relaxing blood vessels, but they are not used to enhance the effect of other antihypertensive drugs.
Choice D is wrong because they do not have fewer side effects when used in a drug combination.Combination diuretic therapy can increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, and metabolic alkalosis.It can also cause hypotension, dehydration, and worsening renal function.Therefore, combination diuretic therapy should be used with caution and close monitoring.
Normal ranges for blood potassium level are 3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L or 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.Normal ranges for blood sodium level are 135 to 145 mmol/L or 135 to 145 mEq/L.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are less than 120/80 mm Hg for normal, 120-129/less than 80 mm Hg for elevated, 130-139/80-89 mm Hg for stage 1 hypertension, and 140 or higher/90 or higher mm Hg for stage 2 hypertension.
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