A patient will be receiving a thrombolytic drug as part of the treatment for acute myocardial infarction. The nurse explains to the patient that this drug is used for which purpose?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: An agonist is a substance that binds to a receptor and activates it, leading to a biological response. Agonists mimic the action of endogenous ligands that normally bind to the receptor, resulting in activation of downstream signaling pathways. This activation can lead to various physiological effects depending on the specific receptor and pathway involved. In contrast, antagonists block or inhibit the actions of agonists by binding to the receptor without activating it, therefore not producing a response. Therefore, the correct answer is that an agonist activates a receptor.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Phenytoin is commonly used as an anticonvulsant and antiarrhythmic medication. In addition to its approved uses, phenytoin has demonstrated effectiveness in managing neuropathic pain, which is pain caused by damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. While this use for phenytoin is off-label, it has been shown to be beneficial in certain individuals with neuropathic pain conditions. However, it is essential for a healthcare provider to prescribe phenytoin off-label for neuropathic pain, as the dosage and monitoring may differ from its standard use for epilepsy and arrhythmias.