The nurse is caring for a patient with a deep venous thrombosis ...

[melly21297]

The nurse is caring for a patient with a deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Which medication would likely be used for initial inpatient treatment?
 
  a. Dabigatran (Pradaxa)
  b. Heparin
  c. Warfarin (Coumadin)
  d. Edoxaban (Lixiana)

Question 2

The patient is experiencing frequent attacks of vertigo. When planning care, which activity should the nurse encourage?
 
  a. Increase sodium in the diet.
  b. Consider a smoking cessation program.
  c. Increase daily fluid intake.
  d. Drink a glass of red wine before supper.

[Chelseyj.hasty]

Answer to Question 1

B
Inpatient medical treatment for DVT usually consists of intravenous (IV) heparin. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) such as enoxaparin (Lovenox) by injection may be used for inpatient management and is used more frequently for outpatient treatment. Fondaparinux (Arixtra), a Factor Xa inhibitor, may be used instead of enoxaparin. After initial IV or injection anticoagulation treatment oral anticoagulation is started with warfarin sodium (Coumadin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), edoxaban (Lixiana), dabigatran (Pradaxa), or apixaban (Eliquis). Anti-coagulation is continued for 3 to 6 months for the first episode of DVT and a year for recurrent episodes (Patel, 2014).

Answer to Question 2

B
Cessation of smoking will decrease incidence of vertigo in the person with middle-ear disorders. Tobacco is vasoconstrictive and can affect the blood supply to the inner ear and nerves. When increased fluid pressure in the inner ear is suspected as the cause of dizziness, the provider may order a low-sodium diet and limit fluid intake. Alcohol intake does not combat vertigo.