What is the rationale for administering fibrinolytic agents, such ...

[swpotter12]

What is the rationale for administering fibrinolytic agents, such as streptokinase, within hours of the onset of myocardial infarction?
 
  a. Enhances myocardial oxygenation
  b. Lyses the blood clot
  c. Promotes platelet aggregation
  d. Inhibits clotting mechanisms

Question 2

Which are necessary steps in the assessment of the patient preparing for treatment PVD with pentoxifylline (Trental)? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Check for intolerance to caffeine.
  b. Obtain baseline data on pain that may be present.
  c. Obtain test results for PT and aPTT.
  d. Perform baseline gastrointestinal assessment to determine if the patient has nausea, vomiting, or dyspepsia.
  e. Ask specifically if the patient has any cardiac symptoms or dizziness.
  f. Schedule the patient for an exercise stress test.

[flannelavenger]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Fibrinolytic agents such as streptokinase dissolve or lyse recently formed thrombi. The goals of thrombolytic therapy are to lyse the thrombus during the early stages of clot formation, restore circulation to the areas distal to the thrombus, and reduce morbidity after thromboembolism formation. Fibrinolytic agents do not have an effect on myocardial oxygenation and do not promote platelet aggregation or inhibit clotting mechanisms.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B, D, E
Before beginning therapy with pentoxifylline, the nurse should determine intolerance to caffeine. To evaluate therapeutic effects of prescribed medications, a baseline is needed against which to compare future assessments. Before beginning therapy with pentoxifylline, the nurse should determine baseline gastrointestinal symptoms and assess for cardiac symptoms, pain, and dizziness. Bleeding times do not apply to therapy with this drug. Exercise stress testing is not part of the premedication assessment.

[swpotter12]

Excellent

[shewald78]

TYSM