A nurse is caring for a client with a history of overdosage of aspirin. The nurse suspects which of the following can be an early sign of aspirin toxicity?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is an early sign of aspirin toxicity. Aspirin poisoning can cause salicylate intoxication, which includes symptoms like tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, confusion, rapid breathing, and sweating. Other signs of aspirin toxicity may include respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, hyperthermia, and even seizures. Monitoring for tinnitus is important in clients who may have aspirin toxicity as it serves as an early warning sign to prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Thrombolytic drugs, also known as clot busters, are used to dissolve blood clots, specifically in the coronary artery for patients with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). These medications work by activating the body's natural plasminogen system to break down the clot and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. By helping to dissolve the clot, thrombolytic therapy can help to minimize damage to the heart muscle and improve the patient's outcome following a heart attack. It is crucial for patients to receive this treatment promptly after the onset of symptoms for the best chance of success.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When converting from IV heparin to oral warfarin therapy, the prescriber monitors the Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) to determine the next appropriate dose of warfarin. PT measures the time it takes for blood to clot and INR helps standardize PT results. These tests are crucial in evaluating and adjusting the dosage of warfarin to achieve the desired anticoagulant effect while minimizing the risk of bleeding. Monitoring PT/INR levels regularly is essential to ensure that the patient receives the correct dose of warfarin for their specific condition and to prevent complications. Platelet levels, aPTT, and red blood cell count are not typically used to monitor warfarin therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Heparin is a fast-acting, short-term anticoagulant that is often used to rapidly initiate anticoagulation in situations where immediate blood thinning is necessary, such as in patients with certain medical conditions or undergoing procedures. On the other hand, warfarin (Coumadin) is a slower-acting, longer-term anticoagulant that takes time to reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream. By using heparin to start anticoagulation, the patient is protected against clot formation while waiting for the warfarin to reach adequate levels to provide ongoing anticoagulation therapy. This approach minimizes the risk of clot formation during the transition period between medications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The antidote for Warfarin, a common blood thinner medication, is Vitamin K. Warfarin works by inhibiting Vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, which prevents blood clotting. In case of an overdose or excessive bleeding while taking Warfarin, administering Vitamin K can help counteract the effects of the medication and promote blood clotting.