Following a stroke, a client has been started on clopidogrel ...

[bcretired]

Following a stroke, a client has been started on clopidogrel (Plavix). Why is this medication being administered?
 
  1. To prevent stroke in high-risk patients, such as those with prosthetic heart valves
  2. To decrease blood pressure
  3. To increase heart rate
  4. To provide antiplatelet activity in patients who cannot tolerate aspirin

Question 2

Reteplase (Retavase) has been ordered for a client diagnosed with an MI. The nurse understands that this drug needs to be administered within which time frame following the onset of symptoms?
 
  1. 45 minutes to 18 hours
  2. 30 minutes to 12 hours
  3. 90 minutes to 36 hours
  4. 60 minutes to 24 hours

[amcvicar]

Answer to Question 1

4

Rationale 1:To prevent stroke in high-risk patients, such as those with prosthetic heart valves is incorrect because warfarin (Coumadin) is indicated for this use.
Rationale 2:The medication does not alter blood pressure. It is an antiplatelet drug.
Rationale 3: This medication does not alter heart rate. It is an antiplatelet drug.
Rationale 4: Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet drug that may be used to provide antiplatelet activity in patients who cannot tolerate aspirin.

Global Rationale: Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet drug that may be used to provide antiplatelet activity in patients who cannot tolerate aspirin.

Answer to Question 2

2

Rationale 1: Reteplase should be administered between 30 minutes and 12 hours after onset of symptoms.
Rationale 2: Like other drugs in this class, reteplase is most effective if given within 30 minutes but not later than 12 hours after the onset of MI symptoms.
Rationale 3: Reteplase should be administered between 30 minutes and 12 hours after onset of symptoms.
Rationale 4: Reteplase should be administered between 30 minutes and 12 hours after onset of symptoms.

Global Rationale: Like other drugs in this class, reteplase is most effective if given within 30 minutes but not later than 12 hours after the onset of MI symptoms.

[bcretired]

TYSM

[sailorcrescent]

Excellent