Parenteral anticoagulants work by disrupting:         A. Formation of thromboplastin.      B. Conversion of prothrombin to thrombin.      C. Vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.      D. Conversion of prothrombin to fibrin.           Correct Answer: B. Conversion of prothrombin to thrombin Parenteral anticoagulants such as heparin work by disrupting the conversion of prothrombin to… Read More »

SC heparin should be administered in the:         A. Flank      B. Abdominal fat      C. Leg      D. Gluteal area           Correct Answer: B. Abdominal fat Heparin should be given in the abdominal area around the umbilicus, deep into the fat. The preferred site of injection is the abdominal area. Injections… Read More »

The half-life of heparin is:         A. 10 minutes      B. 1 to 1.5 hours      C. 8 to 12 hours      D. 1 to 2 days           Correct Answer: B. 1 to 1.5 hours The half-life of heparin is 60 to 90 minutes. This is important to know when bleeding occurs… Read More »

Which drug is used to stop bleeding associated with heparin overdose?         A. urokinase (Abbokinase).      B. aminocaproic acid (Amicar).      C. protamine sulfate (Protamine).      D. vitamin K (AquaMEPHYTON).           Correct Answer: C. protamine sulfate (Protamine). Protamine is the drug used to reverse the adverse effects of bleeding that occurs with… Read More »

Blurred vision or halos are signs of:         A. Subtherapeutic digoxin levels.      B. Digoxin toxicity.      C. Nothing related to digoxin.      D. Corneal side effects of digoxin.           Correct Answer: B. Digoxin toxicity. Halos is a hallmark sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin exhibits its therapeutic and toxic effects by poisoning… Read More »

During the warfarin (Coumadin) administration, the nurse can expect that the initial extension of PT occurs within how many hours after therapy begins?         A. 1 to 2      B. 4 to 6      C. 8 to 12      D. 12 to 24           Correct Answer: C. 8 to 12. Initial extension… Read More »

A nurse is providing instructions to a client who is receiving warfarin sodium (Coumadin). Which statement made by the client indicates the need for further instruction?         A. “I will observe the color of my urine and stool”.      B. “I will take Ecotrin (Enteric-coated aspirin) for my headaches”.      C. “I will avoid drinking… Read More »

A nurse is caring for a client receiving a heparin intravenous (IV) infusion. The nurse expects that which of the following laboratory will be prescribed to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin?         A. Prothrombin time (PT)      B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)      C. Hematocrit (Hgb)      D. Hemoglobin (Hct)        … Read More »

A client with atrial fibrillation is receiving a continuous heparin infusion at 1,000 units/hr. The nurse observes that the client is receiving the therapeutic effect based on which of the following results?         A. Activated partial thromboplastin time of 30 seconds.      B. Activated partial thromboplastin time of 60 seconds.      C. Activated partial thromboplastin… Read More »

A client is receiving intravenous heparin therapy. The nurse ensures the availability of which of the following medication?         A. acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)      B. calcium gluconate (Calcium gluconate)      C. vitamin K (Mephyton)      D. protamine sulfate (Protamine)           Correct Answer: D. protamine sulfate (Protamine) Protamine sulfate is the antidote that reverses… Read More »