A patient has a pulmonary embolism and asks the nurse to explain ...

[Mr. Wonderful]

A patient has a pulmonary embolism and asks the nurse to explain the purpose of the heparin infusion. What response by the nurse is best?
 
  a. It helps dissolve the clot in your lungs.
  b. It keeps you from getting septic.
  c. It prevents the clot from getting bigger.
  d. It prevents clots from forming in your heart.

Question 2

A patient has been admitted with new atrial fibrillation. What additional diagnostic testing does the nurse anticipate?
 
  a. Thyroid hormones
  b. Platelet count
  c. Urinalysis
  d. Blood glucose

[Chou]

Answer to Question 1

C
Heparin keeps the clot from getting bigger and hopefully prevents further clots from forming. It does not dissolve the clot. It does not specifically target the heart. It does not prevent sepsis.

Answer to Question 2

A
Hyperthyroidism is often seen with atrial fibrillation. Platelet count, urinalysis, and glucose are often done as part of admission, but they are not directly related to atrial fibrillation as is hyper-thyroidism.