ATI LPN
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank
Chapter 26 Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient has been prescribed warfarin in addition to a heparin infusion. The patient asks the nurse why he has to be on two medications. The nurse's response is based on which rationale?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: This overlap therapy is required in patients who have been receiving heparin for anticoagulation and are to be switched to warfarin so that prevention of clotting is continuous. This overlapping is done purposefully to allow time for the blood levels of warfarin to rise, so that when the heparin is eventually discontinued, therapeutic anticoagulation levels of warfarin will have been achieved. Recommendations are to continue overlap therapy of the heparin and warfarin for at least 5 days; the heparin is stopped after day 5 when the international normalized ratio (INR) is above 2.
Question 2 of 5
A patient is receiving thrombolytic therapy, and the nurse monitors the patient for adverse effects. What is the most common undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Bleeding, both internal and superficial, as well as intracranial, is the most common undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy. The other options list possible adverse effects of thrombolytic drugs, but they are not the most common effects.
Question 3 of 5
A patient who has been anticoagulated with warfarin has been admitted for gastrointestinal bleeding. The history and physical examination indicates that the patient may have taken too much warfarin. The nurse anticipates that the patient will receive which antidote?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vitamin K is given to reverse the anticoagulation effects of warfarin toxicity. Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin overdose. The other options are incorrect.
Question 4 of 5
When administering heparin subcutaneously, the nurse will follow which procedure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A 1/2- to 5/8-inch 25- to 27-gauge needle is the correct needle to use for a subcutaneous heparin injection. Aspirating before the injection and massaging the site after the injection encourage hematoma formation at the injection site. Injection sites need to be rotated with each injection.
Question 5 of 5
A patient has been instructed to take one enteric-coated low-dose aspirin a day as part of therapy to prevent strokes. The nurse will provide which instruction when providing patient teaching about this medication?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Enteric-coated aspirin is best taken with 6 to 8 ounces of water and with food to help decrease gastrointestinal upset. Enteric-coated tablets should not be crushed. Risk for bleeding increases with aspirin therapy, even at low doses.