Exam 26: Coagulation Modifier Drugs

A patient has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin) 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?

A patient has had recent mechanical heart valve surgery and is receiving anticoagulant therapy. While monitoring the patient's laboratory work, the nurse interprets that the patient's international normalized ratio (INR) level of 3 indicates: which of these?

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?

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?

A patient has received an overdose of intravenous heparin, and is showing signs of excessive bleeding. Which substance is the antidote for heparin overdose?

The nurse notes in the patient's medication orders that the patient will be starting anticoagulant therapy. What is the primary goal of anticoagulant therapy?

A patient is being discharged on anticoagulant therapy. The nurse will include in the patient-education conversation that it is important to avoid herbal products that contain which substance?

An elderly patient has had hip surgery and will be receiving heparin, 4000 units subcutaneously every 12 hours. The heparin is available in vials of 5000 units/mL. Calculate how much heparin the nurse will administer for this dose. _______

A patient has received an overdose of enoxaparin (Lovenox). The order was for 30 mg, but the patient received 90 mg. The nurse notes that the patient is showing signs of bleeding (oozing blood from the intravenous sites, increased bruising) and notifies the physician, who prescribes protamine sulfate to cover the excess amount of enoxaparin that the patient received. Calculate how much protamine sulfate the patient will receive. _______

The nurse is reviewing new medication orders for a patient who has an epidural catheter for administration of pain medications. One of the orders is for enoxaparin (Lovenox), a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH). What is the nurse's priority action?

A patient who has been anticoagulated with warfarin (Coumadin) 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?

A patient will be taking dabigatran (Pradaxa) as part of treatment for chronic atrial fibrillation. Which statements about dabigatran are true?

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?

A patient is receiving heparin therapy as part of the treatment for a pulmonary embolism. The nurse monitors the results of which laboratory test to check the drug's effectiveness?

When administering heparin subcutaneously, the nurse will follow which procedure?