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
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
PT stands for prothrombin time, which is a measure of how long it takes the blood to clot.
INR stands for international normalized ratio, which is a way of standardizing the PT results across different laboratories.
Warfarin is a blood thinner that works by inhibiting the production of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver.
Therefore, warfarin prolongs the PT and increases the INR.The PT/INR test is used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy and adjust the dose accordingly.
Choice A is wrong because PTT stands for partial thromboplastin time, which is another measure of blood clotting time, but it reflects the activity of different clotting factors than PT.PTT is used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin therapy.
Choice C is wrong because aPTT stands for activated partial thromboplastin time, which is a variation of PTT that uses an activator to speed up the clotting time.Like PTT, aPTT is used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin therapy.
Choice D is wrong because ACT stands for activated clotting time, which is a measure of the whole blood clotting time.ACT is used to monitor high-dose heparin therapy during certain procedures, such as cardiac bypass surgery or angioplasty.
The normal ranges for these tests may vary depending on the laboratory and the method used, but generally, they are:
• PT: 10 to 13 seconds
• INR: 0.8 to 1.2 (without warfarin) or 2.0 to 3.0 (with warfarin)
• PTT: 25 to 35 seconds
• aPTT: 30 to 40 seconds
• ACT: 70 to 120 seconds
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of anticholinergic agents used to treat overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).Anticholinergic agents prevent involuntary contractions of the bladder detrusor muscle by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates the muscle.However, anticholinergics are not tissue specific, and they also affect other parts of the body where acetylcholine is involved, such as the salivary glands, the gastrointestinal tract, and the eyes.
Choice B is wrong because restlessness is not a typical side effect of anticholinergic agents.In fact, anticholinergics can cause sedation and drowsiness in some people.
Choice C is wrong because increased salivation is the opposite of what anticholinergics do.Anticholinergics reduce the secretion of saliva, causing dry mouth.
Choice D is wrong because diarrhea is also the opposite of what anticholinergics do.Anticholinergics slow down the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, causing constipation.
Some other possible adverse effects of anticholinergic agents include blurred vision, urinary retention, confusion, memory impairment, and increased risk of dementia and mortality.
Therefore, these drugs should be used with caution and under medical supervision.
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