During warfarin (Coumadin) administration, the nurse can expect that the initial extension of PT occurs within _____ hours after therapy begins.
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Solution
8 to 12
Initial extension of PT occurs within 8 to 12 hours after warfarin therapy begins.
Which drug is used to stop bleeding associated with heparin overdose?
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Solution
protamine sulfate (Protamine)
Protamine is the drug used to reverse the adverse effects of bleeding that occurs with heparin administration.
The half-life of heparin is:
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Solution
1 to 1.5 hours
The half-life of heparin is 60 to 90 minutes. This is important to know when bleeding occurs during heparin administration.
SC heparin should be administered in the:
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Solution
Abdominal fat
Heparin should be given in the abdominal area around the umbilicus, deep into the fat.
Parenteral anticoagulants work by disrupting:
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Solution
Conversion of prothrombin to thrombin\
Parenteral anticoagulants such as heparin work by disrupting conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Tissue thromboplastin is formed in the extrinsic pathway as tissue is damaged. Oral anticoagulants work by interfering with vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Prothrombin does not convert to fibrin.
Which of the following lipid-lowering agents has the common side effect of constipation?
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Solution
lovastatin (Mevacor)
Mevacor is known to cause constipation.
Which of the following vitamins may not be absorbed properly when giving bile acid sequestrants?
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Solution
Vitamin K
Vitamin K absorption may be reduced when giving these drugs. The only fat-soluble vitamin here is vitamin K, which is synthesized in the liver.
As a competent nurse, you know that the most significant contraindication for therapy with lipid-lowering agent is:
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Solution
Liver disease
All lipid-lowering agents except the bile acid sequestrants are potentially hepatotoxic, so the most significant contraindication is liver disease.
For lipid-lowering agents to be successful, drug therapy must lower:
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Solution
LDL
An elevated LDL is the most significant risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis; therefore, for drug therapy to be effective, LDL must be reduced.
Kylie is reviewing drugs related to cardiovascular therapies. She should be aware that the desired action of lipid-lowering agents is to:
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Solution
Increase HDL
The desired effect of lipid-lowering agents is to decrease cardiac risk by lowering TC, TG, and LDL and increasing or maintaining HDL.