A postoperative patient reports pain in the left lower extremity. ...

[rachel9]

A postoperative patient reports pain in the left lower extremity. The nurse notes swelling in the lower leg, which feels warm to touch. The nurse will anticipate giving which medication?
 
  a. Aspirin
  b. Clopidogrel (Plavix)
  c. Enoxaparin (Lovenox)
  d. Warfarin (Coumadin)

Question 2

A patient is admitted to the emergency department with chest pain. An electrocardiogram shows changes consistent with an evolving myocardial infarction. The patient's cardiac enzymes are pending.
 
  The nurse caring for this patient will expect to:
  a. administer aspirin when cardiac enzymes are completed.
  b. give alteplase (Activase) within 2 hours.
  c. give tenecteplase (TNKase) immediately.
  d. obtain an order for an INR.

[annierak]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin and is used in situations requiring rapid onset of anticoagulant effects, such as massive DVT. Aspirin, clopidogrel, and warfarin are useful for primary prevention but are not used when rapid anticoagulation is required.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
When alteplase is given within 2 hours after symptom onset, the death rate for MI has been shown to be 5.4, compared with 9.4 if given 4 to 6 hours after symptom onset. ASA may be given at the first sign of MI; it is not necessary to wait for cardiac enzyme results. Tenecteplase may be given more than 2 hours after onset of symptoms. Obtaining an order for an INR is not indicated.

[rachel9]

Thanks

[annierak]

Welcome